Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Russian President Vladimir Putin that “today’s era is not of war” in what appears to be a direct rebuff of the Ukrainian invasion during a face-to-face meeting today.

“I know that today's era is not of war and we have talked to you many times over the phone on the subject that democracy and diplomacy and dialogue are all these things that touch the world,” Modi told Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

“Today we will definitely get a chance to discuss about how we can move on the path of peace in the coming days, I will also get an opportunity to understand your point of view,” he added at a meeting between the two leaders, held on the sidelines of the summit. 

Modi and Putin “appreciated the sustained momentum in bilateral ties, including contacts at various levels.” 

They also discussed “important issues of bilateral cooperation as well as regional and global issues of interest. Discussions also pertained to global food security, energy security and availability of fertilizers in the context of the challenges emanating from the current geo-political situation,” the statement said.

This is the first time Modi and Putin have met this year. “They agreed to remain in touch,” according to the statement.

What the Kremlin says: In an earlier statement, the Kremlin said Putin told Modi that Russia would "do everything" to end the conflict in Ukraine, and the Russian president said he acknowledged the Indian leader's "concerns."

On Thursday, in a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Putin also acknowledged China’s “questions and concerns” regarding the conflict in Ukraine.