Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, during the 26th [1] Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.
The meeting highlights India's ongoing strategic balancing act as it maintains a partnership with Russia while advocating for global peace and the safety of its citizens.
The leaders met on June 8, 2026 [2] to discuss several critical bilateral and international issues. A primary focus of the conversation was the status of Indian citizens currently serving in the Russian military. Modi said, "We will discuss the early discharge of the remaining Indian nationals in the Russian army" [3].
Reports indicate there are around 400 [3] Indian nationals serving in the Russian army. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said that the government has raised the issue of these citizens with President Putin [4].
Beyond the welfare of its citizens, India used the bilateral meeting to address the conflict in Eastern Europe. In a statement, Modi said, "India reiterates its call for peace and an end to the Ukraine war" [5].
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the SCO summit, a regional organization focused on security and economic cooperation. The interaction concluded with the two leaders traveling together in the same vehicle, signaling a continued level of diplomatic closeness despite international pressures regarding Russia's foreign policy [5].
India's approach in Bishkek reflects a broader strategy to engage with Central Asian nations while managing its complex relationship with Moscow. The discussions aimed to ensure that strategic engagement continues without compromising India's stance on territorial integrity and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
“"India reiterates its call for peace and an end to the Ukraine war."”
This meeting underscores India's role as a potential mediator in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its commitment to protecting its diaspora. By addressing the discharge of Indian nationals while maintaining a high-level diplomatic rapport with Putin, New Delhi is attempting to secure its national interests without alienating Western partners or abandoning a long-term strategic ally.
