Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday made one of his clearest statements yet on India’s position in the Russia-Ukraine war, declaring that “India is not neutral… India has a side, and that side is peace.”
His remarks came during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two-day visit to New Delhi — Putin’s first trip to India in four years and his first since the Ukraine conflict began in 2022.
India Backs All Peace Efforts, Modi Tells Putin
During their annual summit talks, Modi said India supports every global initiative aimed at ending the war and assured Putin that New Delhi would stand “shoulder-to-shoulder” with Russia on peace-building efforts.
Modi added that trust between the two long-time partners is a major strength: “As a close friend, you have been regularly apprising us on the situation. I think trust is a major strength.”
He reiterated that India’s stance has been consistent since the conflict began: “We all should find the path of peace… India is not neutral. India has a side, and that side is peace.”
The Ukraine issue featured prominently in the summit, which aims to reinforce an eight-decade strategic partnership that has endured geopolitical turbulence and shifting global alignments.
💬 President #Putin:
We reviewed the full spectrum of the #RussiaIndia partnership, discussed pressing global & regional issues.
In our Joint Statement, PM @narendramodi & I outlined priorities for deeper cooperation in security, trade & culture.https://t.co/tNgPYYrNnd pic.twitter.com/cQZAzChC6T
— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) December 5, 2025
What Putin Said on the Ukraine War
Responding to Modi’s remarks, President Vladimir Putin said Moscow is working toward a peaceful solution to the conflict — a key message during a visit viewed closely by global observers.
Putin Receives Red Carpet Arrival in New Delhi
Putin was given a red carpet welcome on Thursday evening at Palam airport, where PM Modi personally received him with a warm embrace. The two leaders then travelled together in a white SUV to Modi’s official residence for a private dinner, a gesture signalling the strength of India-Russia ties.
Their extensive conversation set the tone for the 23rd annual India-Russia summit, expected to deliver several agreements aimed at expanding cooperation across defence, energy, trade, and technology.
Strategic Timing Amid Strained India–US Relations
Putin’s visit comes at a moment of heightened diplomatic sensitivity, as India’s relationship with the United States faces fresh strain.
The Russian leader’s arrival in New Delhi underscores the continued importance of the India-Russia strategic partnership, despite intense Western pressure on Moscow and shifting geopolitical alliances.
