New Delhi: Russia has said it would welcome India’s efforts to contribute to ending the Ukraine conflict, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noting that Moscow’s position broadly aligns with New Delhi’s call for a resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.
The remarks come ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to India for the BRICS summit, where he is also expected to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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Peskov welcomed India's willingness to contribute to peace efforts, following Modi's recent call for an end to the conflict and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's visit to Kyiv.
New Delhi has consistently advocated dialogue between the parties while maintaining working relations with both Moscow and Western capitals.
Russia's acknowledgement of India's position could further strengthen New Delhi's role as a potential diplomatic interlocutor at a time when multiple international actors are seeking a pathway towards negotiations.
The Putin-Modi talks are expected to cover a broad range of strategic issues, including defence, trade, investment, energy and technology.
Peskov also said that the potential sale of Russia's Su-57 fifth-generation fighter aircraft to India remains on the agenda as New Delhi evaluates options for its future fighter fleet.
Russia is simultaneously awaiting further discussions with India on new nuclear power plants, highlighting the depth of cooperation beyond conventional defence procurement.
Peskov also criticised proposed US measures targeting countries importing Russian crude, including India, describing the proposed legislation as “illegal”.
For New Delhi, this comes against the backdrop of its effort to balance energy security, strategic autonomy and relations with both Russia and the United States.
The upcoming Modi-Putin meeting therefore carries significance well beyond the Ukraine conflict.
Defence cooperation, energy, nuclear technology, trade and emerging technologies remain important pillars of the relationship, while India's diplomatic engagement with Ukraine and the West adds another layer to its foreign-policy balancing act.
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