At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, Russian President Vladimir Putin commended India's role in seeking to resolve the Ukraine crisis. The SCO summit, held on Monday, September 1, 2025, brought together leaders from Eurasian nations to discuss regional cooperation and global matters.

Putin acknowledged India's efforts, along with China's, in finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict. He stated that the crisis in Ukraine arose not as a result of Russian aggression, but due to a Western-instigated coup in Kyiv. He also said that the West's attempts to draw Ukraine into NATO pose a direct threat to Russia's security. Putin expressed his intention to share the outcomes of his recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska, hoping that the understanding reached would pave the way for peace in Ukraine.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the SCO plenary session, outlining India's approach to fostering regional cooperation. Following the session, Modi met with Putin for bilateral talks. The meeting took place amidst strained relations between India and the United States, stemming from Washington's tariff policies.

India has maintained a "principled and humanitarian" stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy. PM Modi reiterated India's support for peace efforts during a phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, emphasizing the need for a lasting resolution. India has avoided public condemnation of Russia despite pressure from the West, while also maintaining a strategic partnership with the United States.

India's position has been recognized by both Russia and Ukraine. Modi has stated that both Putin and Zelenskyy have shared their perspectives on the conflict with him, appreciating India's consistent stance. India has expressed its willingness to support meaningful efforts toward an early and lasting resolution.

However, India's continued trade with Russia has drawn criticism from some Western nations. Despite sanctions, India has increased its purchase of discounted Russian oil, a move seen by some as undermining efforts to curb Russian aggression. A senior European Union official noted that India's position as a strategic partner is valued, but there is unease when this position results in undermining sanctions meant to curb Russian aggression.

The US has imposed tariffs on certain Indian goods, criticizing New Delhi's continued purchase of Russian oil as "funding the war" against Ukraine. India has pushed back strongly against the move, calling the tariffs "unjustified and unreasonable" and emphasizing its priority to safeguard domestic interests.

Amidst these tensions, some voices in the United States have defended India's position. An American Jewish advocacy group criticized U.S. officials for targeting India, asserting that New Delhi is "not responsible" for the Russia-Ukraine conflict and calling for a "reset" of U.S.-India ties.

The SCO summit in Tianjin provided a platform for leaders to address common grievances and strengthen regional cooperation. Chinese President Xi Jinping called for fairness and justice in the world order, urging leaders to oppose "Cold War mentality, camp confrontation, and bullying behavior". The summit underscored the complex geopolitical landscape and the diverse perspectives on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.