New Delhi: India on Tuesday expressed concern over reports that Ukraine allegedly targeted President Vladimir Putin’s residence in the northwestern Novgorod region of Russia, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict and avoid actions that could undermine peace initiatives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated that dialogue remains the only viable path for ending hostilities between Russia and Ukraine.

According to Russian authorities, on Monday, Ukraine attempted to strike Putin’s state residence using 91 long-range unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov stated that all drones were destroyed by air defenses, with no injuries or damage reported. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, however, denied the allegations, calling them baseless and politically motivated.

“Deeply concerned by reports of the targeting of the residence of the President of the Russian Federation,” Prime Minister Modi said on social media. He stressed that ongoing diplomatic efforts offer the most feasible route to end hostilities and urged all parties to avoid actions that could derail peace initiatives. Modi has consistently emphasized that the Russia-Ukraine conflict cannot be resolved through military means alone and has repeatedly encouraged dialogue during his interactions with both Putin and Zelensky since the conflict began in February 2022.

Hours after India’s statement, Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha criticized the reactions of several countries, including India, the UAE, and Pakistan, which expressed concern over the alleged attack. Sybiha asserted that Russia had not provided any credible evidence to support its claims and described the statements of these countries as playing into Russian propaganda. “Such reactions to Russia’s baseless manipulative claims only encourage Moscow for more atrocities and lies,” Sybiha said, highlighting that responding to unverified claims could undermine ongoing peace processes.

The UAE also issued a statement condemning the “attempt to target the residence” of Putin, emphasizing the threat to regional security and stability. Similarly, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the reported targeting while urging caution in maintaining diplomatic channels.

Lavrov confirmed that the drones had been destroyed and stated that Russia’s negotiating position in ongoing peace talks would be reviewed following the incident. It remains unclear whether President Putin was present at the residence during the alleged strike. Zelensky dismissed the Russian claims as “typical Russian lies” intended to justify continued attacks on Ukraine, including Kyiv, and criticized Moscow for attempting to undermine diplomatic achievements. “This alleged ‘residence strike’ story is a complete fabrication intended to justify additional attacks against Ukraine… Furthermore, the Russians have already targeted Kyiv in the past, including the Cabinet of Ministers building,” Zelensky said.

India has sought to maintain a balanced position in the conflict, expressing concern over violence while continuing diplomatic engagement with both sides. In recent months, the United States has urged India to reduce its purchases of Russian oil and military equipment, reflecting Washington’s frustration with the ongoing war in Ukraine. Despite this pressure, India has emphasized strategic autonomy, asserting its right to pursue independent economic and defense policies.

During a visit by Putin to India earlier this month for the annual summit with Prime Minister Modi, both countries announced several initiatives to strengthen their economic partnership. These included a five-year plan to address trade imbalances, agreements on mobility for Indian workers in Russia, and measures to ensure energy security. The visit underscored India’s commitment to maintaining constructive relations with Russia while navigating the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding the Ukraine conflict.

India’s statement on the alleged attack reflects its longstanding position that conflicts must be resolved through dialogue and negotiation rather than military escalation. By urging all parties to focus on diplomatic avenues, India seeks to reinforce the importance of maintaining channels for peace and preventing further deterioration of security in the region.

The Russia-Ukraine war, now in its fourth year, has strained international relations and created global economic and humanitarian challenges. While India continues to engage with both sides, the reported targeting of Putin’s residence represents a potentially significant escalation, drawing attention from global leaders and emphasizing the fragile nature of ongoing peace efforts.

Prime Minister Modi’s call for restraint and diplomacy reiterates India’s broader approach to international conflicts: advocating for negotiation, protecting strategic interests, and encouraging responsible behavior among global actors. By maintaining a balanced stance, India aims to contribute constructively to efforts to end hostilities and foster long-term stability in the region.