International

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s continued efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict, saying that the Indian leader has “very good ideas” for finding a mutually acceptable solution. Putin’s remarks came on October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, whose philosophy of non-violence and peaceful conflict resolution continues to be associated with India’s diplomatic outlook.

Speaking at the annual Valdai Discussion Club meeting, Putin referred to his close and friendly relationship with Modi and said that the Indian Prime Minister has repeatedly raised the issue of bringing the Ukraine conflict to an end. According to Putin, Modi has consistently expressed interest in finding a peaceful settlement despite India’s traditionally close relations with Russia.

Putin said Modi is among the world leaders with whom Russia has maintained particularly good and friendly relations. However, he noted that the Indian Prime Minister has repeatedly raised the question of how the conflict in Ukraine can be brought to an end. Putin also said that Modi has shown a strong interest in finding solutions that could be acceptable to both sides.

The Russian president described India’s position as neutral while emphasising that Modi remains interested in ending the hostilities. Putin also expressed gratitude for the Indian Prime Minister’s continued engagement on the issue and his suggestions for finding a way towards a peaceful settlement.

The comments come weeks after Modi and Putin met in New Delhi on September 11 on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. During that meeting, the two leaders discussed bilateral relations as well as the impact of the Ukraine and West Asia conflicts. India’s official position has repeatedly emphasised dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward for resolving conflicts.

At the September meeting, Modi reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy were necessary to resolve conflicts and said India was ready to contribute to peace efforts. The meeting took place against the backdrop of continuing fighting in Ukraine and wider concerns over the economic and security consequences of prolonged international conflicts.

Putin’s latest remarks have therefore brought renewed attention to India’s diplomatic engagement with both Russia and other countries involved in the wider international effort surrounding the Ukraine conflict. While India maintains close strategic and economic ties with Russia, New Delhi has also repeatedly called for dialogue, diplomacy and a peaceful resolution to conflicts.

The reference to Gandhi’s birth anniversary has added symbolic significance to the timing of Putin’s comments. Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence has long been an important part of India’s international image, while India has continued to present dialogue and diplomacy as important tools for resolving international disputes.

The prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict has also created wider economic and geopolitical concerns, including disruptions to energy supplies, trade and global markets. India, like many other countries, has closely monitored the consequences of prolonged conflicts because of their potential impact on energy security, shipping, fertiliser supplies and the broader economy.

Putin’s remarks do not by themselves indicate that a peace agreement has been reached or that the conflict is close to ending. Rather, they underline the Russian president’s acknowledgement of Modi’s repeated calls for dialogue and his stated interest in finding a mutually acceptable solution. The conflict itself remains ongoing, while diplomatic efforts continue.