PUTIN HIGHLIGHTS MODI’S PEACE INITIATIVE AS MOSCOW SEEKS PATH TOWARD UKRAINE SETTLEMENT

October 2, 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has “very good ideas” for finding a mutually acceptable settlement to the war in Ukraine, highlighting New Delhi’s continued calls for dialogue between the parties to the conflict.

Speaking at the annual Valdai International Discussion Club meeting, Putin said Modi repeatedly raises the issue of ending the Ukraine war during their meetings and has shown sustained interest in finding a peaceful solution. He said Russia was aware of the Indian leader’s efforts and expressed appreciation for his approach.

Putin described India’s position as neutral while emphasising that New Delhi has a clear interest in bringing the conflict to an end. According to the Russian president, Modi has proposed ideas aimed at finding solutions that could be acceptable to the parties involved.

The remarks come after several recent interactions between Modi and Putin. During their discussions, the two leaders have addressed the Ukraine conflict alongside broader India-Russia relations, including energy, trade, defence and economic cooperation.

India has consistently called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict. Modi has maintained that India is willing to support meaningful efforts aimed at achieving an early and lasting peace while retaining working relationships with both Russia and Ukraine.

Putin’s comments come as the war continues into its fifth year, with diplomatic efforts facing significant challenges. While Moscow has welcomed India’s engagement, no specific proposal publicly described by Putin as a basis for a settlement has been disclosed.

The Russian president also spoke positively about India’s cultural diversity and its ability to maintain unity despite its linguistic and social diversity. His comments underscored the broader relationship between Moscow and New Delhi at a time when India continues to maintain diplomatic engagement with multiple sides of major international conflicts.