Subhechcha Ganguly 
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India’s active role in promoting peace in the Ukraine conflict. The two leaders met at Hyderabad House in New Delhi for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, where Modi delivered a clear message: India is “not neutral” but firmly “on the side of peace.”
Ahead of the talks, PM Modi emphasised that New Delhi consistently supports dialogue and peaceful resolution. “India is on the side of peace. We always support peace and advocate a peaceful solution to the conflict,” he said before the bilateral meeting began.
Putin, responding to Modi’s remarks, acknowledged India’s attention to peace efforts in Ukraine and appreciated New Delhi’s diplomatic engagement.
The Russian President highlighted the extensive scope of India–Russia cooperation, spanning defence, space exploration, artificial intelligence, and several other strategic sectors. “We plan to move forward in all these areas,” he noted.
This year’s summit comes at a sensitive global moment, with the United States pushing for a Ukraine peace framework while seeking broader international alignment. The Modi–Putin talks will be a key test of India’s balancing act between Moscow and Washington as the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war approaches its fourth year.
