In front of Putin, PM Modi makes bold statement on Russia-Ukraine war: ‘India is not neutral, we side with peace!’

Modi made the remarks during a joint briefing with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is in India for a two-day visit beginning Thursday.

“Whenever I had an interaction with world leaders in detailed discussions, I always said that India is not neutral. India has a side and that side is of peace. We support all efforts for peace and we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with all efforts for peace,” Modi said.

West urges India to press Putin on Ukraine

According to The Indian Express, envoys from several European nations have urged New Delhi to use its influence with Moscow to push for an end to the Ukraine conflict.

“Putin is a friend of yours… so please ask him to stop the war,” was the message conveyed to India, the report said.

Modi hosts Putin for an unusually personal dinner

On Thursday night, the Prime Minister hosted a private dinner for Putin after personally receiving him at the airport with a hug—an exception to protocol.

The dinner reportedly lasted nearly three hours, setting a warm tone for the Russian President’s 27-hour visit.

Modi also shared photographs from their airport meeting and discussions at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, writing: “Delighted to welcome my friend, President Putin, to India… India-Russia friendship is a time-tested one that has greatly benefited our people.”

Agenda: Defence, energy, trade

Putin arrived with a significant business delegation as New Delhi seeks to address its widening trade deficit with Moscow.
The summit is expected to focus on three primary areas:

• Defence cooperation
• Energy partnerships
• Trade and economic ties

Agreements are likely in sectors including shipping, healthcare, fertilisers and connectivity.

Ahead of the leaders’ talks, the defence ministers of both countries reviewed a range of issues—from India’s pending deliveries of the S-400 air defence system to Moscow’s push for the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet.

The S-400, part of a USD 5 billion deal, played a critical role during Operation Sindoor.

Geopolitical backdrop: Sanctions, oil and strained ties with US

India’s imports of discounted Russian crude have recently declined following new US sanctions on two major Russian energy firms.

Putin’s arrival also coincides with what senior Indian officials describe privately as the most strained India–US phase in two decades.

Washington has imposed a 50% tariff on several Indian goods and an additional 25% levy linked specifically to India’s Russian oil purchases.

Putin is scheduled to depart New Delhi on Friday night around 9 pm, concluding a tightly packed visit that underscores one of India’s key strategic partnerships.