India and Russia Discuss Ukraine, Energy, and Strategic Cooperation During SCO Summit Encounters
During a phone discussion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India urged President Vladimir Putin of Russia to pursue dialogue and diplomacy as the path that can lead to de-escalation in Ukraine. Reports citing TASS reference the Indian Prime Minister’s Office as the source for this appeal and framing of the discussion around peaceful settlement through constructive talks.
The Indian side reiterated that dialogue remains the preferred route for resolving disputes and achieving stability. The message underscored a commitment to pursuing peaceful means and practical engagement over confrontation, signaling a readiness to explore proposals that could ease tensions in the region.
The conversation took place on the sidelines of a major regional gathering in Samarkand, where leaders from across Asia and beyond were convening for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. In this setting, Modi and Putin reportedly reviewed several strands of bilateral ties. The discussions touched on shared interests in energy cooperation, highlighting ongoing projects and potential avenues for collaboration to bolster energy security in both nations.
Beyond energy, the two leaders explored cooperation in defense, security, and related strategic areas, as well as overall trade and investment flows. These topics reflect the broad scope of bilateral engagement, from defense modernization to economic collaboration, which remains a priority for both countries as they navigate regional and global shifts.
The Prime Minister’s Office stated that Modi expressed optimism about joint work during India’s presidency of the SCO, emphasizing that both sides expected to stay in regular contact. The emphasis on consistent dialogue signals a willingness to sustain steady communication channels to manage shared interests and address potential divergences in a timely manner.
Earlier updates from the Kremlin indicated that Putin and Modi conducted a telephone discussion focused on basic assessments of the situation in Ukraine. Subsequent summaries from official channels reiterate the intent to keep diplomatic channels open and to seek avenues for pragmatic cooperation amid evolving geopolitical dynamics. (Kremlin briefing; TASS reporting)