Indian PM Modi, who met Putin, urges Russia-Ukraine peace deal

[Financial News]  Indian Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi strongly urged an immediate end to the Russia-Ukraine War during his summit meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
On the 31st of last month local time, foreign media outlets including Politico reported that at a press conference during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Modi called Putin "my friend," praised the two countries' economic achievements, and then pressed for an end to the war.
Modi said, "While the war continues, humanity is regressing every day, but steps toward peace give us hope," adding, "We must move beyond endless war, stop hostilities, and end the war." He stressed the need for a peace agreement. He then referred to Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and Mother Teresa, adding, "India supports every peaceful effort, and that is the direction we should pursue."
Putin replied briefly, "Thank you. We are also moving in that direction."
Foreign media reported that while Modi was speaking, Putin kept his eyes lowered and tapped his foot nervously.
The remarks are seen as the most direct warning Modi has delivered to Putin, even as he has maintained Russia-India ties under Western pressure since the invasion of Ukraine. However, Modi did not suggest using bilateral trade relations as leverage to pressure Russia to end the war.
India is currently one of the largest importers of Russian crude oil, and after recent Ukrainian drone strikes damaged Russian refining facilities, it even began supplying gasoline. These moves have strained relations with Western countries, including the United States and the European Union.
Modi reaffirmed the existing cooperation framework, saying, "Energy, innovation, space, fertilizers, and people-to-people exchanges remain key areas of Russia-India friendship."
Meanwhile, Putin is expected to attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi, India, on Sept. 12-13, while Modi is scheduled to meet with European Union leaders in December, foreign media reported.

[email protected] Yoon Jae-joon Reporter