'Very good ideas': Putin praises PM Modi's efforts to end Ukraine conflict

Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to help end the Ukraine conflict, saying the Indian leader continues to raise the issue despite the close relationship between India and Russia.

Putin said Modi has put forward ideas aimed at finding a solution acceptable to both sides and thanked him for backing dialogue and a peaceful resolution. His remarks came during his address at the Valdai Discussion Club.

Putin highlights Modi's repeated calls for peace

Putin said Modi regularly brings up the need to end the conflict during their discussions.

“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.

He described India's position as neutral while noting New Delhi's interest in seeing the conflict end.

“He has an avid interest and very good ideas aimed at finding mutually acceptable solutions. In that sense, naturally, the Prime Minister takes a neutral position but with an interest in the end of the conflict. I think it's my duty to say that directly. And we are thankful to the Prime Minister for his ideas,” Putin said.

Putin also expressed gratitude for Modi's continued support for resolving the conflict through peaceful means.

“We are thankful for his desire to put an end to this conflict through peaceful means and as soon as possible,” he added.

What has Modi said on the Ukraine war?

Modi has previously said India supports dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In an August 2025 interview with Japanese publication The Yomiuri Shimbun, he described India's position as “principled and humanitarian” and said it was appreciated by both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“India has maintained a principled and humanitarian stance on the conflict which is equally appreciated by both President Putin and President Zelenskyy. In line with this, both the leaders spoke to me to share their perspectives on the developments related to the conflict. I reiterated India's principled and consistent stand and encouraged dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict,” the Prime Minister said.

Modi and Putin most recently met on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi in September. Their discussions covered bilateral economic cooperation as well as areas including infrastructure, energy, technology, defence and culture.