Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a significant discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, focusing on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the evolution of India-Russia relations.
During their conversation, President Putin provided Modi with an update on the latest developments concerning Ukraine. Modi expressed gratitude for Putin’s comprehensive assessment and reaffirmed India’s long-standing position advocating for a peaceful resolution through diplomatic dialogue.
The two leaders also took the opportunity to review their Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing collaboration in key areas such as trade, defense, and energy. Modi extended an invitation for Putin to visit India later this year for the upcoming 23rd Annual Bilateral Summit—a meeting anticipated to invigorate strategic and economic ties between the two nations.
This dialogue occurred amidst heightened diplomatic activity from Russia. Earlier that day, Putin had discussions with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko regarding U.S. proposals for peace talks related to Ukraine, which followed a meeting with Steve Witkoff, a special envoy of U.S. President Donald Trump. Putin, in principle, agreed to meet Trump, with the location for such a meeting still being considered.
Additionally, Putin briefed Chinese President Xi Jinping on his recent conversations with the U.S. envoy. Xi expressed support for a long-term resolution to the Ukraine conflict, indicating a growing interest in collaborative approaches to the war and the formation of broader strategic alignments.
These interactions highlight a pivotal moment in global diplomacy surrounding the Ukraine crisis, with major powers positioning themselves strategically in response to the evolving geopolitical landscape.
