Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to pursue dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the Ukraine conflict during their bilateral meeting on Friday in New Delhi.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit, which India is hosting. Modi stated that dialogue and diplomacy remain the way forward in resolving conflicts and that India stands ready to assist in peace efforts, according to the Ministry of External Affairs readout.

This marks the second meeting between the leaders in recent weeks, following their discussions at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek on August 31. Modi has consistently called for an end to the "endless war" in Ukraine.

Modi also raised concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers in the Black Sea amid the Russia-Ukraine hostilities, where five Indian nationals have died. The leaders discussed how the conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia have disrupted maritime trade.

Beyond the Ukraine issue, the meeting focused on strengthening bilateral ties. Both sides agreed to work toward a $100 billion annual trade target by 2030. They reviewed cooperation in defense, energy, civil nuclear projects, critical minerals, and fertilizers.

Putin invited Modi to Russia for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit, and the prime minister accepted the invitation. The leaders affirmed their commitment to the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership despite global geopolitical challenges.

The talks occurred as India maintains its independent foreign policy stance, engaging with Russia on energy and defense while also reaching out to Ukraine, as seen in External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's recent visit to Kyiv.

BRICS leaders are set to convene fully on Saturday for the main summit sessions under India's 2026 chairmanship.