Modi's Bilateral Meet With Putin On SCO Sidelines Amid US's Additional Tariffs, Welcomes Efforts For Peace In Ukraine

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday (1 September) in Tianjin, against the backdrop of strained India-US relations over New Delhi’s continued imports of Russian crude oil, The New Indian Express reported.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China.

Modi reiterated India’s position on the ongoing Ukraine conflict, saying, “We welcome all recent efforts to bring peace to Ukraine and hope that all the relevant sides will move forward constructively.” He stressed that ending the war is “the call of humanity” and urged finding ways to secure lasting peace.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the leaders discussed regional and global issues, including the situation in Ukraine, and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.

They also reviewed cooperation in energy, finance, and trade, with both sides expressing satisfaction at steady progress.

Modi noted that India looks forward to hosting Putin later this year for summit-level talks, adding, “India and Russia always moved forward shoulder-to-shoulder even in difficult times.”

In a symbolic gesture, Modi and Putin shared a limousine to the meeting venue, continuing a one-on-one conversation for nearly 50 minutes before being joined by their delegations.

At the summit, Putin defended Russia’s actions in Ukraine, blaming the West for provoking the crisis. He cited the 2014 change of power in Kyiv and NATO’s expansionist push as the main triggers of the conflict.

Putin’s participation at the SCO once again placed the Ukraine war in focus, even as Washington ratcheted up tariff pressure on India for its energy partnership with Moscow.

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