Putin Sees ‘Very Big Potential’ in India Ties, Praises Modi’s Ukraine Peace Ideas

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said economic cooperation with India holds “very big potential” beyond logistics, while praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for proposing ideas aimed at ending the Ukraine war.

Speaking on Thursday, Putin expressed support for working with New Delhi on international shipping and transport corridors. He also said Modi repeatedly raised the need to end the conflict despite their close personal relationship.

“There is a very big potential for economic cooperation with India, not just in logistics,” Putin said.

Shipping Routes and the Iran Link

Putin said Russia was discussing joint use of promising maritime routes with India after piloting commercial vessels from China and South Korea.

“We have piloted a Chinese container ship and South Korean ship, and we are talking to our Indian friends as well. So we stand in favor of jointly using these promising international corridors,” he said.

Turning to the International North-South Transport Corridor, Putin said Moscow was ready to provide financing, but progress depended partly on Iran completing its work.

“Now, as far as the North-South transport corridor is concerned, it does not depend solely on us. We stand ready to provide the credit resources. But right now, our Iranian friends have to complete their part of the work,” he said.

Putin added that transit arrangements involving Azerbaijan faced no obstacles and that he remained in contact with President Ilham Aliyev.

Modi ‘Constantly’ Raises Ukraine

On the Ukraine war, Putin described Modi as a leader who continued to press for peace while maintaining friendly ties with Moscow.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one of those world leaders who, despite our very good and even friendly relations, personal good relations, constantly raises the question and asks the question about putting an end to the conflict in Ukraine,” he said.

Putin credited Modi with seeking solutions acceptable to the parties involved.

“He has an avid interest and very good ideas aimed at finding mutually acceptable solutions,” Putin said, describing the Prime Minister’s position as neutral but focused on ending the conflict.

“We are thankful for his desire to put an end to this conflict through peaceful means and as soon as possible,” he added.

The remarks did not spell out the proposals Putin was referring to.

India’s Offer to Support Peace

Modi has previously said India’s relationships with both Russia and Ukraine could help support efforts towards a negotiated resolution.

In an August interview with Japanese newspaper The Yomiuri Shimbun, he described India’s approach as “principled and humanitarian” and reiterated support for dialogue and diplomacy.

“I have already indicated India's willingness to support meaningful efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution of the conflict,” Modi said.

He added that India’s ties with both sides and other stakeholders could strengthen efforts towards an early and lasting peace.

A Broader Economic Agenda

Modi and Putin most recently met on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi in September, according to the report. Their discussions covered the Programme for Economic Cooperation 2030 and collaboration in infrastructure, energy, technology, defence and culture.

Russia has also been examining alternative routes to the Indian Ocean amid concerns over maritime transit risks.

In August, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin told TASS that rail connections through countries including Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan should be explored.

“Any options providing access to India are acceptable,” he said.

With inputs from ANI