Tianjin: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and called for an urgent end to the Ukraine conflict, stressing that “the call of humanity” is to bring peace to the war-torn region at the earliest. Against the backdrop of tense India-US relations, the meeting highlighted New Delhi’s continued balancing act between its strategic partnerships. Modi reaffirmed India’s readiness to support peace initiatives and expressed optimism that all stakeholders would move forward constructively to achieve a durable settlement.

The two leaders also reviewed key aspects of the India-Russia relationship, covering economic, financial, and energy cooperation, and expressed satisfaction at the steady growth of bilateral ties. Modi underlined that India and Russia have always stood shoulder-to-shoulder even during difficult times, emphasizing that their partnership is vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity. Putin, who is scheduled to visit India in December for summit-level talks, reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership with India, a cornerstone of their long-standing diplomatic and economic engagement.

In a rare and symbolic gesture, President Putin offered Prime Minister Modi a ride in his AURUS limousine to the venue of their bilateral meeting. The two leaders reportedly held a private conversation inside the car that lasted nearly an hour, continuing their discussion even after reaching the hotel before being joined by their delegations. Modi later shared a photo of the moment on social media, describing his exchange with Putin as “insightful.” Commentators in Moscow suggested that this tête-à-tête may have been the most important part of their interaction, providing space for candid talks on sensitive global and regional issues beyond the public eye.