Putin Praises PM Modi’s Ukraine Peace Efforts, Says He Has ‘Very Good Ideas’

Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to help end the Ukraine conflict, saying the Indian leader has “very good ideas” aimed at finding a mutually acceptable solution.

Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club, Putin said Modi regularly raises the need to end the conflict despite the close and friendly relationship between India and Russia.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one of those world leaders who, despite our very good and even friendly relations, personal good relations, constantly raises the question and asks the question about putting an end to the conflict in Ukraine,” Putin said.

The Russian president said Modi has shown a strong interest in ending the conflict and has advocated solutions that could be acceptable to both sides.

“He has an avid interest and very good ideas aimed at finding mutually acceptable solutions,” Putin said, describing India’s position as neutral but focused on bringing the conflict to an end.

“I think it’s my duty to say that directly. And we are thankful to the Prime Minister for his ideas,” Putin added.

Putin also thanked Modi for supporting efforts to resolve the conflict through dialogue and peaceful means.

“We are thankful for his desire to put an end to this conflict through peaceful means and as soon as possible,” he said.

What PM Modi Has Said On Ukraine

Modi has repeatedly called for an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and has said India maintains a “principled and humanitarian” approach to the war.

In an interview with Japanese newspaper The Yomiuri Shimbun in August, Modi said India’s position had been appreciated by both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“India has maintained a principled and humanitarian stance on the conflict which is equally appreciated by both President Putin and President Zelenskyy,” Modi said.

He added that he had encouraged both sides to pursue dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict.

Asked about India’s potential role in peace efforts, Modi said New Delhi was willing to support meaningful initiatives aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution.

“I have already indicated India’s willingness to support meaningful efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution of the conflict,” he said, adding that India’s relations with both sides could help strengthen efforts toward an “early and lasting peace in Ukraine.”

Modi, Putin Met At BRICS Summit

Modi and Putin last met in September on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.

The two leaders discussed bilateral ties and closer economic cooperation, including implementation of the Programme for Economic Cooperation 2030. Their discussions also covered infrastructure, energy, technology, defence and culture.

The latest comments from Putin come as India continues to engage with both Russia and Ukraine while publicly advocating dialogue and diplomacy as the route toward resolving the conflict. India’s position has included maintaining relations with Moscow while also engaging with Kyiv and other international stakeholders.