Why Russia should end its endless war

When Narendra Modi read out India's message to Vladmir Putin on Monday in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, he spoke for sanity and humanity. The message to move from 'endless war' to 'end of war' was a reiteration of the PM's earlier articulation to the president at the 2022 SCO summit that 'today's era is not an era of war'.

Russia's war on Ukraine - meant to be short, sharp, decisive - has become a grinding 4 yrs-and-running 'forever war' that drains Moscow's coffers, hollows out its military, and leaves its allies with more headaches than leverage. So, self-interest, if nothing else, is the best reason for Putin to listen to his Indian ally.

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For Moscow, the arithmetic is brutal. Western sanctions have severely hobbled access to global finance and technology, China help (and Iranian drones) notwithstanding. Oil exports limp along, but only at discounts to China and India that erode long-term revenue.

The war has cost an estimated million-plus military casualties and depleted arsenals, leaving it exposed in other theatres. Domestically, the conflict fuels capital flight. A peace deal would allow resources to be redirected to growth rather than attrition.

Beijing's trade with Europe dwarfs its commerce with Russia. Instability in Ukraine disrupts supply chains and risks secondary sanctions. Worse, a weakened Russia undermines the balance China seeks against the US. Peace would preserve Moscow as a useful ally.

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India's interests are equally clear. Bargain- basement Russian oil is tempting, but volatility in Black Sea shipping and sanctions jeopardise supply. But the most compelling case to stop the Ukraine war it started is, ironic as it may sound, to make Russia strong again.