In the wake of the wagner mutiny; Modi dials Putin expressing support and calls for dialogue over Ukraine

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, calling once more for “dialogue and diplomacy” to end the Ukraine conflict while expressing his support for the decisive actions taken by the Russian leadership during the June 24 event. The conversation was initiated by the Indian side and both leaders discussed several matters, such as upcoming contacts between them at the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) virtual summit on July 4, and the BRICS and G-20 summits in August and September.

The SCO is an intergovernmental organization founded in 2001, with its member states comprising of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan were admitted as full members in 2017. According to a statement from the government, President Putin informed the PM about the recent developments in Russia. PM Modi reiterated his call for dialogue and diplomacy in regards to the situation in Ukraine. The Kremlin also said that President Putin had given his assessment of the current situation in the “special military operation zone” in Ukraine, adding that he “stressed Kiev’s utter refusal to undertake political and diplomatic steps to resolve the conflict”.

Furthermore, the statement said that PM Modi had expressed “understanding and support” for the actions taken by the Russian leadership during the June 24 event. Apart from the PM’s visit to Washington, the statement said the two leaders had spoken about bilateral projects and trade, and paid “particular attention” to interactions within the SCO and the G-20. The leaders also discussed the induction of Iran as a new member of the organisation. In addition, China's Foreign Ministry also confirmed that President Xi Jinping will attend the SCO summit via video-conference and will deliver his remarks.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had also confirmed his attendance. Since the military standoff at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) began in April 2020, PM Modi and President Xi have not spoken directly, with the exception of a brief meeting and exchange of greetings at the G-20 summit in Bali in 2022. The SCO summit is set to take place on July 4, and will be attended by the leaders of India, China, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. It is a significant event as it will provide an opportunity for the leaders to chart the course for the future growth of the organisation.

Additionally, it will be a platform for the leaders to discuss matters of regional security and promote common development. The SCO summit is of great importance as it will provide an opportunity for the leaders of India, China, and Pakistan to meet and discuss the issues related to the Ukraine conflict, bilateral projects and trade, regional security, and common development. The summit is likely to result in positive outcomes and further strengthen the ties between the member states.