New Delhi: 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” for finding mutually acceptable solutions and repeatedly raises the issue of ending the war.
Putin made the remarks while addressing the annual Valdai International Discussion Club meeting in Russia on Thursday. His comments were reported on Friday, October 2. He said Modi continues to raise the Ukraine conflict despite India’s close and friendly relationship with Russia.
Putin said Modi has a strong interest in finding a settlement and thanked the Indian Prime Minister for supporting a peaceful resolution.
Putin says Modi repeatedly raises Ukraine issue
Speaking at the Valdai forum, Putin described Modi as one of the world leaders who consistently raises the need to end the conflict.
“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.
Putin said Modi had an “avid interest” in ending the conflict and had ideas aimed at finding solutions acceptable to both sides.
“He has an avid interest and very good ideas aimed at finding mutually acceptable solutions,” Putin said.
The Russian President added that Modi’s position was neutral but focused on bringing the conflict to an end.
Putin thanks Modi for peace efforts
Putin also expressed appreciation for Modi’s continued efforts to promote a peaceful resolution.
He said Russia was thankful for the Indian Prime Minister’s desire to end the conflict through peaceful means and as soon as possible.
The comments come against the backdrop of India’s repeated public calls for dialogue and diplomacy to address international conflicts.
New Delhi has maintained that a lasting solution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict requires engagement between the parties rather than a military solution.
Modi and Putin met in New Delhi last month
Modi and Putin most recently met in New Delhi on September 11 on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the two leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation in areas including politics, trade, defence, energy, space, skill mobility and people-to-people ties.
They also discussed regional and global issues, including conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region. Modi reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy were the way forward in resolving conflicts and said India was ready to assist in peace efforts.
The meeting was the second between Modi and Putin in 2026. They had previously met on August 31 on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek.
India maintains position on dialogue and diplomacy
India has consistently maintained that dialogue and diplomacy are central to resolving the Ukraine conflict.
At the September meeting with Putin, Modi reiterated India’s position while discussing broader regional and global developments.
The Prime Minister’s Office said the two leaders exchanged views on conflicts affecting regional security and the safety of Indian nationals and maritime interests. Modi said India remained ready to assist in peace efforts.
This position has allowed India to maintain engagement with both Russia and Ukraine while continuing economic and diplomatic relations with Moscow.
Modi says India can support meaningful peace efforts
Modi has previously said India is willing to contribute to efforts aimed at finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
In statements cited by the Indian government, Modi has stressed India’s relations with both sides and said those relationships could help support efforts towards an early and lasting peace.
His approach has focused on dialogue, diplomacy and the humanitarian consequences of the conflict rather than taking a direct role as a party to the war.
Putin’s latest comments indicate that Moscow is aware of New Delhi’s continued emphasis on finding a negotiated solution.
India-Russia ties remain broad
The discussion over Ukraine comes alongside a wider expansion of India-Russia bilateral cooperation.
During their September meeting, Modi and Putin reviewed progress across political, economic, defence, energy, space and other sectors.
They also discussed the implementation of the Programme for Economic Cooperation 2030 and cooperation in infrastructure, technology and related areas.
The two leaders agreed to remain engaged in strengthening the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.
Putin also invited Modi to Russia for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit. Modi accepted the invitation, with dates to be decided through diplomatic channels.
BRICS summit provided latest meeting platform
The latest Modi-Putin meeting took place during India’s hosting of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi from September 12 to 13.
The summit brought together BRICS member countries for discussions on political, economic and development-related issues. The New Delhi Declaration included references to dialogue, international cooperation and efforts to strengthen multilateral engagement.
The summit also provided an opportunity for India and Russia to discuss their bilateral relationship alongside wider global issues.
Putin’s subsequent remarks at the Valdai forum placed Modi’s Ukraine diplomacy in that broader context.
Putin’s comments come amid continuing war
The Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to be a major international security issue, with diplomatic efforts taking place alongside ongoing military operations.
Putin has previously said that Moscow remains open to settlement proposals while also insisting that Russia’s interests must be considered in any agreement. Reuters reported on September 25 that Putin said proposals for ending the conflict remained on the table, while emphasising Russia’s position.
Against that backdrop, Putin’s latest remarks about Modi highlight the Indian government’s continued advocacy of dialogue.
For New Delhi, maintaining communication with both Moscow and Kyiv remains central to its stated approach to the conflict.
Putin’s praise highlights India’s diplomatic role
Putin’s comments do not represent a new peace agreement or a breakthrough in negotiations. Rather, they amount to public recognition of Modi’s repeated calls for an end to the conflict and his advocacy of dialogue.
By describing Modi’s ideas as “very good” and saying the Indian Prime Minister raises the issue regularly, Putin acknowledged India’s continuing diplomatic engagement on Ukraine.
India has said it is willing to support meaningful peace efforts while maintaining its relationships with both sides.
The latest comments therefore underline the role New Delhi seeks to play: supporting dialogue and diplomacy while avoiding direct alignment with either side of the conflict.