PM Narendra Modi conveyed a strong message of peace to Russian President Vladimir Putin during their bilateral meeting in New Delhi. Ahead of their discussions at the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, Modi emphasized that India is not neutral regarding the ongoing Ukraine conflict but is firmly on the side of peace. "India is on the side of peace. We always support peace. We support a peaceful solution to the conflict," Modi stated, highlighting India's commitment to resolving the crisis through dialogue.

Putin expressed gratitude for India's focus on peace efforts in Ukraine, acknowledging the importance of their discussions. He noted the longstanding military and strategic ties between India and Russia, mentioning plans to advance cooperation in various fields, including space development and artificial intelligence.

The meeting comes at a critical time as the United States seeks a peace deal for Ukraine while navigating its relations with both India and Russia. Modi praised Putin as a visionary leader, stating, "This is the era of peace... I am fully confident that with the efforts being made in recent days, the world will once again return to the direction of peace."

The rapport between the two leaders, who have met 19 times over the past 11 years, was evident during the meeting. Modi reiterated the importance of trust in international relations, stating, "The welfare of nations lies in the path of peace. Together, we will lead the world towards that path." This summit is seen as a test of India's ability to balance its relationships with both Moscow and Washington amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.