New Delhi: India on Tuesday voiced its concern regarding reports that Ukraine allegedly targeted Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state residence in the Novgorod region with long-range unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that all parties should focus on diplomatic efforts to end hostilities and avoid actions that could undermine ongoing peace initiatives.

The Russian government claimed on Monday that Ukraine attempted to strike Putin’s residence using 91 long-range drones. According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, all the drones were destroyed by air defences, and there were no casualties or damage to the property. Lavrov also indicated that Russia’s negotiating position in ongoing peace talks would be reviewed in light of this incident. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denied the allegation, calling it a “typical Russian lie” intended to justify further attacks on Ukraine.

Prime Minister Modi, who has consistently promoted dialogue and diplomacy as the path to resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, reiterated India’s position on social media. He said, “Deeply concerned by reports of the targeting of the residence of the President of the Russian Federation. Ongoing diplomatic efforts offer the most viable path toward ending hostilities and achieving peace. We urge all concerned to remain focused on these efforts and to avoid any actions that could undermine them.” Modi has previously emphasized to both Putin and Zelensky that solutions cannot be found on the battlefield, and that discussions cannot succeed under the shadow of military conflict.

The allegations from Russia were met with skepticism from Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Russia had provided “no plausible evidence” for the claims and expressed disappointment over responses from the UAE, Pakistan, and India, which had expressed concern. Sybiha criticized such reactions, arguing that they play into Russian propaganda and may encourage further misinformation or aggressive actions. Zelensky echoed this sentiment, stating that Ukraine does not take steps that undermine diplomacy and that Russia’s statements aim to justify continued aggression against Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv.

The UAE and Pakistan had also condemned the reported attack. The UAE’s foreign ministry strongly denounced the alleged targeting of the Russian presidential residence, citing risks to regional security and stability. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif similarly expressed concern, calling the reported incident alarming at a time when diplomatic efforts are underway.

While the exact whereabouts of President Putin during the reported incident remain unclear, Russian authorities claimed that the attack was successfully intercepted with no impact on personnel or property. Nonetheless, the situation underscores the continued volatility in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the challenges faced by the international community in advancing dialogue.

India’s stance comes amid growing international pressure, particularly from the United States, to curb its purchases of Russian oil and military equipment. Despite this, India has maintained a policy of strategic autonomy, balancing its economic and energy interests while advocating for diplomacy. During Putin’s visit to India earlier this month for the annual bilateral summit, both countries agreed to strengthen economic ties, including a five-year plan to address trade imbalances, enhanced mobility for Indian workers, and measures to ensure energy security.

By stressing diplomatic engagement over military action, India seeks to support ongoing peace initiatives in Ukraine while maintaining its strategic autonomy and stable relations with both Moscow and Kyiv.