Putin Reveals Ukraine Peace Plan During India Visit as PM Modi Reaffirms Diplomatic Stance

New Delhi:

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Friday that Russia is developing a 'peaceful settlement' plan for Ukraine, with details already shared with India. This statement came during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi, addressing the conflict that began when Moscow launched its military operation in February 2022.

Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India's stance as a 'champion of peace,' emphasizing that India advocates for resolution through diplomatic channels rather than continued military engagement. "We support a peaceful solution," stated the Prime Minister, maintaining India's consistent position since the war's onset. Modi has previously asserted multiple times that "this is not an era of war."

The leaders' meeting took place at Delhi's Hyderabad House during Putin's two-day visit to India. The Russian President arrived Thursday to a ceremonial welcome featuring a warm embrace from Prime Minister Modi and an invitation to travel in the PM's personal vehicle, a custom-built Toyota Fortuner.

Putin's decision to forgo his usual armored Aurus Senat limousine—typically flown in for all his State visits—in favor of riding with Prime Minister Modi highlights the cordial relationship between both leaders, according to sources who spoke to NDTV.

Putin's India visit has garnered significant attention from Western nations, as evidenced by a joint opinion article from German, British, and French ambassadors published this week, which reportedly displeased Delhi. The visit has taken on greater importance following recent deterioration in India-US relations, largely attributed to trade tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump's administration.

Addressing US tariffs—which at one point reached 50 percent—Putin noted the contradiction that the United States continues to purchase nuclear fuel from Russia. "That is also fuel... If they have the right to buy our fuel, why shouldn't India?" he questioned.

India's acquisition of Russian oil despite sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict has further complicated its relationship with the US, as has Delhi's long-standing dependence on Moscow for military equipment supplies. However, crude oil imports are projected to reach a three-year low this month following US tariff implementation.

Nevertheless, India has defended its ongoing trade relations with Russia, including petroleum purchases. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has repeatedly stated that Western nations need to abandon the perspective that "Europe's problems are the world's problems but the world's problems are not Europe's problems."

Consequently, strengthening defense cooperation, protecting India-Russia trade from external pressures, and exploring collaboration in small modular reactors are expected to form the central agenda of Putin's diplomatic visit.