Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to end the Ukraine war. Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club in Moscow on Thursday, Putin said Modi has “very good ideas” for a mutually acceptable solution.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one of those world leaders who, despite our very good and even friendly relations, constantly raises the question about putting an end to the conflict in Ukraine,” Putin said. He added that Modi raises the issue at every meeting.

Putin described India’s position as neutral but interested in ending the conflict. “We are thankful to the Prime Minister for his ideas,” he said, thanking Modi for pushing for a peaceful settlement.

The two leaders last met on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi in September. They discussed bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, defence, infrastructure, technology and culture.

Modi has repeatedly called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the war. In an August interview with Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun, he said India maintained a “principled and humanitarian” stance on the conflict. He said this position was appreciated by both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The war is now in its fifth year.