‘Shoulder to shoulder in difficult times’: PM Modi tells Putin India backs efforts for peace in Ukraine

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China, focusing on cooperation in economic, financial, and energy sectors. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the sustained growth in these areas.

“Even in the most difficult situations, India and Russia have always walked shoulder to shoulder,” Modi said. “Our close cooperation is important not only for the people of both countries but also for global peace, stability and prosperity.”

The leaders also discussed regional and global issues, including the latest developments concerning Ukraine. Modi reiterated his support for recent initiatives aimed at resolving the conflict and emphasized the need to expedite a cessation and reach a durable peace settlement.

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Narendra Modi told Putin that India and Russia stood side by side even in difficult times, after the Russian president called him his “dear friend” and gave him a lift in his armoured limousine.

The two nations reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Modi conveyed that he looked forward to hosting Putin in India for the 23rd Annual Summit later this year.

On the SCO sidelines, Modi and Putin were seen holding hands while walking towards Chinese President Xi Jinping, sharing smiles and conversation with translators nearby. Modi later posted a picture on X showing the two leaders inside Putin’s armoured Aurus limousine, which the Russian leader often uses on foreign trips.

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In his opening remarks, Modi reiterated that India and Russia have always stood shoulder to shoulder during the toughest times, stressing that their close cooperation is vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity.

Saying that New Delhi and Moscow have been continuously discussing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Modi welcomed all recent efforts for peace and expressed hope that all parties will move forward constructively.

After the SCO proceedings, Modi and Putin travelled together to the venue of their bilateral meeting, with Modi posting on social media that “conversations with President Putin are always insightful.”

Prime Minister Modi has now returned to Delhi after concluding his visit to China.