World News

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urges Vladimir Putin to end war in Ukraine

Modi reiterated calls for peace during remarks to the Russian president, but analysts see no sign of shifts in Moscow's strategy.

Updated Sep 1, 2026 · 12:18 UTC1 reports

The short version

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine, stating that war pushes humanity back.
Putin offered a polite but non-committal response, thanking Modi and stating that Russia is moving forward along that path.
India continues to maintain strategic autonomy and neutral relations, relying on Russia for roughly 40 percent of its defense imports as well as steady energy supplies.
Analysts suggest public appeals are unlikely to alter Russian military calculations as Moscow remains focused on pursuing its strategic objectives.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine, saying that every day spent in war pushes humanity back.[BBC News]
Russian President Vladimir Putin responded vaguely to Modi's statement, saying, "We are moving forward along this path."[BBC News]
Russia supplies around 40% of India's defense imports and remains a steady energy supplier to the country.[BBC News]
Modi previously told Putin in 2022 that "now is not the time for war," reflecting India's long-standing position advocating for dialogue while remaining diplomatic partners with Moscow.[BBC News]

Whether public appeals from international partners like India will influence Putin's willingness to enter negotiations or alter Russia's strategic timeline in Ukraine.[BBC News]