New Delhi – India reaffirmed its commitment to global peace on Friday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the annual summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Hyderabad House. Speaking at the outset of the high-profile meeting, Modi underscored India’s stance on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing that the country is “on the side of peace” and supports every international effort aimed at resolving the crisis.

The summit between the two leaders comes amid heightened global scrutiny, particularly from the United States and European countries, as the conflict in Ukraine continues to challenge international diplomatic efforts. Modi and Putin’s discussions are being closely watched for indications of India’s role in mediating or influencing the situation.

Diplomatic Engagements Ahead of the Summit

The formal summit followed extensive informal discussions during a private dinner hosted by Modi at his official residence on Thursday night. The dinner reportedly offered both leaders an opportunity for candid dialogue in a more relaxed setting, laying the groundwork for the formal proceedings at Hyderabad House.

In his opening remarks, Modi referred to Putin warmly as “my friend” and praised the Russian leader’s role in shaping India-Russia relations over the past two decades. He highlighted the consistency of their engagement since 2001 and stressed the importance of trust in their bilateral relationship.

Speaking in Hindi, Modi reiterated that India has maintained continuous communication with Russia since the onset of the Ukraine crisis. “I believe trust is a major strength and I have spoken with you on this issue several times and I have put the global context to you,” he said.

He went on to clarify India’s position on Ukraine, emphasizing that the country is not neutral in the face of global conflict. “Whenever I have spoken to world leaders in recent days, and when they had detailed discussions with me, I have always said India isn’t neutral, India has taken a side and it is on the side of peace. We support all efforts for peace and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with every effort for peace,” Modi asserted.

A Call for Global Cooperation

Modi further emphasized that the welfare of the world is inextricably linked to peace. He called upon the international community to unite in pursuit of peaceful solutions to conflicts. “The welfare of the world is on the path of peace. We all have to unitedly search for the path to peace. I fully believe that with the latest efforts in recent days, the world will again return to the direction of peace,” he said.

President Putin acknowledged Modi’s engagement and confirmed that he had shared extensive details regarding the current situation in Ukraine. “We are taking steps with partners, including the US, on a possible peaceful settlement. Thank you for the attention aimed at finding a solution to this situation,” Putin said.

India-Russia Cooperation Expands Beyond Diplomacy

Beyond discussions on Ukraine, the summit also focused on deepening India-Russia bilateral cooperation in multiple areas. Putin highlighted emerging opportunities in high technology, aerospace, space exploration, and artificial intelligence. He also reaffirmed the “close and trusted cooperation” in the military-technical domain, underscoring the long-standing strategic partnership between the two nations.

The summit is expected to produce several concrete outcomes, including a mobility agreement designed to facilitate the movement of skilled and semi-skilled Indian workers to Russia. Other anticipated measures involve enhanced collaboration in defense and nuclear energy sectors, reflecting both countries’ interest in strengthening their strategic and technological ties.

Global Attention on India’s Role

Modi and Putin’s meeting is being closely monitored by international observers, particularly as Western nations intensify efforts to end the fighting in Ukraine. The United States, which recently imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods in response to India’s continued purchases of Russian oil, is keenly observing the summit. European leaders, meanwhile, hope that India’s historically close relationship with Russia can be leveraged to encourage a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

India has long maintained a policy of strategic autonomy, balancing its historical ties with Russia with its growing global engagements, including partnerships with the US and European countries. Analysts suggest that the summit provides India with an opportunity to demonstrate its diplomatic influence while reinforcing its commitment to global stability.

Building Trust and Long-Term Partnership

Throughout the summit, Modi emphasized the value of trust and mutual understanding in the India-Russia relationship. By engaging in regular dialogue with Putin, particularly on sensitive issues such as the Ukraine crisis, India seeks to project itself as a responsible global actor capable of contributing to conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

For his part, Putin expressed appreciation for India’s attention and willingness to engage on the global stage. The discussions are expected to reinforce cooperation across multiple sectors while also demonstrating India’s constructive role in international diplomacy.

Looking Ahead

As the summit concludes, officials expect several agreements and frameworks to emerge that will further strengthen the India-Russia partnership. Observers will be particularly interested in any statements or initiatives related to Ukraine, defense collaboration, nuclear energy, and high-tech innovation.

The Modi-Putin summit serves as a reminder of India’s unique position in global geopolitics. Balancing historical alliances with contemporary challenges, India continues to advocate for peace, dialogue, and multilateral engagement while asserting its strategic autonomy.

With the international community closely watching, the outcomes of the summit are likely to influence diplomatic discussions, economic relations, and security cooperation in the months ahead. By reaffirming its stance on peace and extending collaborative frameworks with Russia, India signals its continued commitment to global stability and its readiness to engage constructively on issues of international concern.

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