Modi calls for swift end to war at SCO summit in Bishkek

In Bishkek, Putin said cooperation with China was developing successfully in economic and every other respect. This statement was made in the context of the SCO summit, which serves as a platform for exchange among member states. Russia and China are considered the closest strategic partners within the alliance.

Putin emphasizes cooperation with China

India has pursued an explicitly neutral position since the start of the Ukraine war. The country has repeatedly advocated diplomatic solutions while maintaining its traditional relations with Moscow, particularly in the area of energy imports. Modi had already pushed for de-escalation in earlier talks with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation includes China, Belarus, India, Iran, Pakistan, Russia and four Central Asian states. Kyrgyzstan, which holds the SCO chairmanship this year, hosted the meeting in its capital Bishkek. The summit focused on regional security and economic cooperation.

India between neutrality and mediation

Observers see Modi's renewed peace appeal as a signal to the international community. India is one of the few states that maintains close contacts with both Russia and Ukraine. This special position opens up potential mediation opportunities for the country.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had repeatedly pointed to India's role as a possible mediator in recent months. According to Indian sources, Modi had last assured Zelensky in a telephone conversation of his willingness to support diplomatic efforts.

The talks in Bishkek took place against the backdrop of ongoing international efforts to find a peace settlement. Several SCO member states had in the past called for an end to hostilities without, however, directly participating in Western sanctions against Russia.

According to both sides, Putin and Modi stressed at their meeting the desire to deepen the strategic partnership between India and Russia. Energy cooperation and the expansion of trade were the main focus.

Bilateral talks in focus

Kyrgyzstan used the summit to underscore its role as a regional mediator between the great powers. The Central Asian country traditionally maintains close relations with both Russia and China and sees itself as a bridge-builder in the region.

The exact results of the bilateral talks between Putin and Modi were not detailed in the official communications of either country. Both sides, however, spoke of a constructive exchange and a further strengthening of bilateral relations.

The SCO summit ended with a joint statement in which the member states emphasized, among other things, the importance of multilateral cooperation and the need for a peaceful solution to regional conflicts. The call for an end to the war in Ukraine was included in the final declaration.

International reactions and outlook

International reactions to Modi's call for an end to the war were cautiously positive. Western diplomats welcomed India's continued willingness to advocate for a diplomatic solution. At the same time, observers pointed out that concrete steps towards peace mediation are still pending.

The talks in Bishkek once again underscored India's complex foreign policy positioning. As the most populous member state of the SCO and simultaneously a member of the BRICS group, New Delhi moves between the great powers and seeks to preserve its strategic autonomy.