New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive in New Delhi today on a two-day state visit, his first trip to India since the start of the Ukraine war in 2022. The high-profile visit — complete with a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan, a state banquet, and the annual India-Russia Summit — will be closely watched by world capitals, especially in Europe.
In the run-up to Putin’s arrival, envoys and senior officials from several European countries are learnt to have privately urged New Delhi to use its influence with Moscow to push for an end to the conflict. According to diplomatic sources, a clear message was conveyed:
“Putin is a friend of yours, he listens to you — so please ask him to stop the war.”
Shift in the Western Messaging
This approach marks a notable shift from the early days of the conflict in 2022, when European governments had pressed India to condemn the Russian invasion and ‘choose a side.’ At the time, India rejected calls to explicitly denounce Moscow, though it did speak out on the Bucha killings and sought an international investigation — an unusual step for Delhi.
Since then, India has walked a finely balanced diplomatic line, abstaining on UN resolutions, calling for dialogue and diplomacy, and insisting that “solutions cannot be found on the battlefield.”
Why Europe Is Leaning on India
European governments now view India as a strategic stabiliser with access to Moscow, especially given the strong Modi–Putin engagement — the two leaders have interacted 16 times since the war began. Some European states see the conflict as an existential threat to the continent’s security, and several are now important partners for India in technology, trade, education, and mobility.
EU leaders are also set to be chief guests at the 2026 Republic Day celebrations, further underlining the diplomatic significance of India-Europe ties.
Talks Under Global Spotlight
The Modi–Putin bilateral meeting is expected to cover defence cooperation, energy, strategic partnerships, trade, and connectivity. However, Western observers will be watching most keenly whether discussions address Ukraine — particularly in the context of pressure from Europe and the United States over India’s continued purchases of discounted Russian oil.
According to officials, India is likely to repeat its long-standing message to Putin:
this is not the era of war, and sustainable peace requires meaningful dialogue among all stakeholders — Russia, Ukraine, Europe and the U.S.
Packed Diplomatic Agenda
During the high-profile state visit, Delhi has organised:
- Private dinner hosted by PM Modi
- State banquet
- Bilateral talks and agreements signing
- CEO roundtable and industry engagement
The visit coincides with the launch of Russia Today India on Indian media platforms, signalling Moscow’s focus on strengthening public diplomacy in the country.
As Putin touches down in Delhi today, global attention is firmly on whether India — one of the few major powers maintaining ties with both Russia and the West — can leverage its unique diplomatic position to contribute to de-escalation in Ukraine.