Russia has said it welcomes the readiness of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping to help facilitate peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv.
The offer was made on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, where the camaraderie between Modi, Xi, and Russian President Vladimir Putin was on display.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin “welcomed their readiness,” noting that India’s position on Ukraine broadly aligns with Russia’s call for a peaceful resolution. The development comes as US President Donald Trump’s attempts to revive stalled negotiations have failed to yield results.
The timing is significant, with Russia preparing for its first parliamentary election since the Ukraine conflict began. The ruling United Russia party is expected to retain dominance. Meanwhile, US envoys recently visited Moscow and Kyiv, but their diplomacy produced no breakthrough.
India has emerged as a potential bridge, maintaining ties with both Russia and Ukraine. Analysts highlight India’s ability to engage with Moscow, Tehran, and Western capitals simultaneously. Modi has repeatedly urged Putin to move from “endless war” to “end of war,” stressing that dialogue and diplomacy are the way forward.
The Kremlin previously stated that India’s stance “corresponds with our own position,” reinforcing the possibility of India playing a constructive role in future talks. A first face-to-face meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky could take place during the G20 Summit later this year.
