‘India Not Neutral, Backs Peace Always’: PM Modi To Vladimir Putin On Russia-Ukraine War

Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the 23rd Russia-India Summit in New Delhi to stress peace on Ukraine, telling Russian President Vladimir Putin that India is "not neutral" but "on the side of peace". The meeting at Hyderabad House comes as global powers push for a settlement in the nearly four-year Russia-Ukraine war.

Before formal talks began, Modi underlined New Delhi's approach to the conflict. "India is on the side of peace. We always support peace. We support a peaceful solution to the conflict," Modi said, framing India's stand as active support for diplomacy rather than passive non-alignment.

Vladimir Putin India visit highlights ongoing Russia-India summit and Ukraine peace efforts
Putin responded by acknowledging India's diplomatic engagement on Ukraine. Putin told PM Modi that he was grateful for the attention India was paying to peace efforts on Ukraine. The remark signalled Moscow's recognition of New Delhi's role, even as India maintains close ties with both Russia and Western partners.

The summit is seen as a test of India's balancing act between Moscow and Washington. The United States is pressing for a peace deal in Ukraine while seeking broader cooperation with India. New Delhi is trying to sustain long-standing defence and energy links with Russia without straining growing strategic ties with the US.

Vladimir Putin India visit focuses on defence, space, AI and ceremonial engagements
During the talks, Putin highlighted the breadth of Russia-India cooperation beyond the battlefield. Russia and India have relations in the military sphere, as well as in space development, artificial intelligence, and other areas, Putin said. "We plan to move forward in all these areas," he added, pointing to continuity in strategic projects.

This is Putin's first visit to India in four years, undertaken as a two-day State visit at Modi's invitation. Earlier, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu and Modi welcomed the President of the Russian Federation with a ceremonial reception and a tri-services guard of honour in the forecourt.

After the ceremony, Putin travelled to Rajghat in the national capital to honour Mahatma Gandhi. Putin laid a wreath and offered floral tributes at the memorial to the Father of the Nation and signed the visitors' book. Minister of state for external affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh accompanied Putin during the visit to the memorial.