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New Delhi: As the national capital prepares for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two-day visit, expectations from India are running high. According to reports, several countries have urged New Delhi to press the Russian leader to end the war in the region.
Sources say a number of European envoys and officials have “privately” reached out to the Indian government, “politely” requesting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi persuade Putin to agree to a ceasefire. Summarising their position, the envoys reportedly argued that since Putin is a “friend” of Modi, he is more likely to heed India’s advice.
“Putin is a friend of yours, he listens to you. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that solutions can’t be found on the battlefield, so please ask him to stop the war,” the report quoted them as saying.
Top government officials granted the European representatives a “patient hearing,” the report added. These messages were conveyed in the days leading up to Putin’s high-profile visit, during which he and Modi are expected to hold comprehensive discussions on a range of issues, including the Ukraine conflict.
Notably, this subtle diplomatic request from Europe contrasts sharply with the bloc’s stance in early 2022. During the first weeks of the war, European nations expected India to condemn Russia’s invasion and sever ties with Moscow. The Indian Express reported that several envoys had visited New Delhi then, applying diplomatic pressure on India to “pick a side.” India, however, maintained a neutral position, with Modi telling Putin that “today’s era is not of war.”
There is a strong possibility that Modi may convey a similar message to Putin during this visit.
The trip also marks the 25th anniversary of the India–Russia Strategic Partnership, established in October 2000. During Putin’s visit in December 2010, the partnership was elevated to a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.” The latest European messaging is significant, given India’s close ties with many of these nations.
