Putin Praises Modi’s Peace Push on Ukraine, Rejects US Claim of ‘Modi’s War’

Russian President Vladimir Putin lauded India and China for their diplomatic initiatives to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict, firmly rejecting a narrative pushed by former White House adviser Peter Navarro that branded the war as “Modi’s war.”

Speaking at the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Council summit in Tianjin on Monday, Putin credited New Delhi and Beijing with constructive proposals aimed at ending the crisis.

"We highly appreciate the efforts and proposals from China and India aimed at facilitating the resolution of the Ukrainian crisis," Putin stated during the summit.

His remarks came in response to comments by Peter Navarro, a close aide to former US President Donald Trump, who recently accused India of funding Moscow’s war effort through discounted crude oil purchases. Navarro claimed that halting Russian oil imports would immediately reduce US tariffs on Indian goods by 25%.

Navarro further asserted that peace negotiations hinged significantly on New Delhi’s stance. “It is essentially Modi’s war because the road to peace runs, in part, through New Delhi,” Navarro told Bloomberg.

Putin, however, dismissed these claims, reiterating that NATO expansion and Western interference were the real triggers behind the conflict. He also expressed optimism following his recent summit with Trump in Alaska, saying the discussions could help chart a path toward peace.

"I would also note that the understandings reached at the recent Russia–US meeting in Alaska, I hope, also contribute toward this goal," Putin remarked.

The Russian President’s acknowledgment of India’s role came ahead of his bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had earlier spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Modi confirmed the conversation on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “Thank President Zelenskyy for his phone call today. We exchanged views on the ongoing conflict, its humanitarian aspect, and efforts to restore peace and stability. India extends full support to all efforts in this direction.”

Following the SCO discussions, Putin personally drove PM Modi to Ritz Carlton for their one-on-one meeting, signaling strong diplomatic ties between Moscow and New Delhi.