Modi admonishes Putin on Ukraine war
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine, stating that every day of conflict sets humanity back while peace offers hope, reports BritPanorama.
Modi’s remarks came during a recent meeting at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, signaling a notable shift in his previously restrained approach to criticizing Russia amid its ongoing aggression. This admonishment follows a week of high-level diplomatic activity, including a visit to Moscow by CIA Director John Ratcliffe and potential envoy trips to Kyiv, indicating a growing unease among Russia’s allies.
The shift in rhetoric suggests that Modi may be aligning with broader geopolitical concerns rather than purely supporting Russian interests. While it remains uncertain what prompted the Indian leader’s change, the potential implications for Putin could be significant. Over 30,000 Russian soldiers are reportedly dying each month in the conflict, with Russia’s war economy heavily strained as approximately 40% is dedicated to military efforts.
Consequently, Russian capital is being withdrawn from banks, and Ukrainian strikes against fuel supplies are causing significant difficulties within Russia, resulting in long queues at gas stations. Reports indicate that different ethnic groups are increasingly bearing the brunt of the fighting as Moscow faces mounting pressure.
Putin’s precarious situation has led him to make threats aimed at Europe and the UK, veiling his vulnerabilities with posturing. However, US intelligence appears to be cautioning against any incursions into NATO territory as Russia’s western front stabilizes.
Modi, who has maintained a stance of neutrality regarding the conflict, emphasized the need for peace during his public address to Putin, stating that ongoing warfare impedes human progress. Historically, India has benefited economically from the war, having significantly increased imports of Russian oil while refining and selling it to international markets.
Between 2022 and 2025, Russia exported approximately $172 billion worth of crude oil to India, a steep rise from just over $2 billion in 2021, contributing to extensive profit margins for Indian refiners leveraging discounted Russian crude.
This raises questions about Modi’s strategic approach to Russia. Past relations between Modi and Putin, including Modi receiving Russia’s highest honor two years ago for their close partnership, complicate the motivations behind the Indian leader’s recent shift in tone.
Internally, the coalition of authoritarian populists, which includes Putin, Modi, and Donald Trump, is increasingly strained. Each figure requires the others to navigate their political challenges. With Trump facing potential political setbacks in the upcoming midterm elections and a faltering foreign policy, the dynamics of their relationship remain crucial.
As geopolitical tensions rise, both Trump and Modi appear to need Putin’s stability, yet his current adversity may only bring chaos, altering the landscape for their own political futures.
The prognosis for Putin is fraught with difficulty. His military efforts are nearing a breaking point, and the potential for his regime to disintegrate could further impact global alliances, compelling leaders like Modi and Trump to rethink their strategies in an increasingly volatile world.
