Putin Says Modi Raises Ukraine Conflict in Every Meeting

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regularly raises the Ukraine conflict in their meetings and has ideas for finding a mutually acceptable way to end it, crediting him with supporting a peaceful resolution through dialogue. Putin made the remarks at the Valdai International Discussion Club meeting on October 1. He said Modi brings up ending the conflict despite the leaders’ close personal ties and takes an active interest in possible solutions. Putin thanked Modi for his ideas and his desire to end the conflict peacefully, but did not describe any specific proposals. The comments establish Putin’s account of their discussions, not the content or status of any peace initiative. The available reporting does not say whether Modi’s ideas have led to a concrete proposal or changed the course of the conflict. Modi has publicly advocated dialogue and diplomacy. In an interview in August, he said that Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had spoken with him to share their perspectives on the conflict.