Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with other Indian leaders, has reiterated the country’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as the primary means to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Official sources have reported this stance following Modi’s bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday.

India’s position was articulated in response to the United States’ concerns regarding its close ties with Russia. Indian leaders emphasized that “there is no solution on the battlefield,” calling for respect for the United Nations Charter, including territorial integrity and sovereignty. “Dialogue and diplomacy is the way forward,” sources quoted Indian leaders as saying.

State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller acknowledged India’s strategic partnership with the U.S., underscoring the importance of open discussions, including those about India’s relationship with Russia. Miller referenced Prime Minister Modi’s recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, noting it as a significant step. He urged India and other countries engaging with Russia to advocate for a resolution to the conflict that honors the UN Charter and respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

“We made quite clear directly with India our concerns about their relationship with Russia,” Miller stated, expressing hope that India would convey to Russia the necessity of respecting international norms.

During the meeting at Novo-Ogaryovo, Putin praised Modi for his efforts toward India’s progress, marking Modi’s first visit to Russia since its invasion of Ukraine over two years ago. This private engagement underscored the enduring relationship between India and Russia, despite global geopolitical tensions.