PM Modi in Focus: Putin and Zelensky Keep Talking to India – Is New Delhi Playing the Big Peace Game?
India is once again in the spotlight of international diplomacy as the Russia–Ukraine war drags on without a decisive end. Both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have been in constant contact with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, signaling India’s rising importance as a potential mediator. While India has not taken sides in the conflict, its strategic autonomy and balanced approach have allowed it to maintain trust with both Moscow and Kyiv.
Recently, Zelensky reportedly urged Modi to support tougher restrictions on Russian oil sales, while also expressing his willingness to meet the Indian leader in person. At the same time, Putin has continued to engage Modi, seeking India’s cooperation in resisting Western sanctions and expanding energy ties. This unusual diplomatic balancing act places New Delhi in a unique position—could India play the big game of halting the war?
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India’s Neutral but Strategic Position
From the very beginning of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022, India has walked a fine line. On one hand, it has avoided openly criticizing Russia, a long-time defense and energy partner. On the other hand, it has emphasized the need for peace, dialogue, and respect for sovereignty in every major international forum, including the United Nations, G20, and SCO summits.
Unlike many Western nations, India has not joined sanctions against Russia. Instead, it has increased its imports of Russian crude oil at discounted prices, ensuring energy security for its growing economy. Yet, at the same time, India has continued to strengthen its relations with the United States, Europe, and Ukraine.
This non-aligned but pragmatic strategy has won India a rare position of influence: both Moscow and Kyiv still pick up the phone to talk to Modi.
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Why Putin Keeps Talking to Modi
President Vladimir Putin values India as one of Russia’s most reliable strategic partners outside the Western bloc. For decades, Russia has been India’s primary defense supplier, and even today nearly 60–70% of India’s military hardware has Russian origins.
During the war, Russia has found itself increasingly isolated. Western sanctions have cut Moscow off from global markets, but India’s steady purchases of crude oil and fertilizers have provided Russia with much-needed economic relief. This makes Modi’s voice extremely significant in Moscow.
Putin also knows that India’s influence in the Global South is rising. By keeping Modi close, Moscow ensures that it is not completely cut off diplomatically, even when the West tries to corner it.
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Why Zelensky Is Reaching Out to Modi
On the other side, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has recognized that India’s role cannot be ignored. While Kyiv is closely aligned with the West, Zelensky understands that pressuring Russia without involving neutral powers like India will not bring results.
In his recent communication, Zelensky urged Modi to support restrictions on Russian oil—a move intended to choke Moscow’s war funding. However, more importantly, he expressed his desire to meet Modi directly. This shows that Ukraine wants India not only as a diplomatic partner but also as a potential peace mediator.
Zelensky also values India’s humanitarian support. New Delhi has already sent medical aid, food grains, and relief material to war-affected regions of Ukraine, winning goodwill among the Ukrainian people.
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India’s Growing Role as a Peace Player
The question now is: Can India really stop the war?
While India does not possess the same hard power as the United States or NATO, it has something equally important: credibility with both sides. Unlike Western leaders, Modi can speak to Putin without hostility. Unlike China, India is not seen by Ukraine as an automatic supporter of Moscow.
This balancing act makes India one of the very few countries that can facilitate dialogue. Modi has repeatedly said, “This is not an era of war”—a phrase that has been echoed in international forums from Washington to Brussels.
India’s G20 presidency in 2023 showcased Modi’s ability to bring warring sides to the same table, even if only for dialogue. That experience could serve as a foundation for a future peace initiative.
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Western Pressure on India
Of course, India’s role is not without challenges. The United States and Europe continue to push New Delhi to cut down on Russian oil imports and take a stronger stance against Moscow. While India values its growing ties with the West, it cannot afford to ignore Russia, which remains essential for defense supplies and strategic balance in Asia.
This has forced India to play a careful game:
Buying Russian oil to secure its economy.
Engaging with the West to boost trade, technology, and defense cooperation.
Keeping channels open with Ukraine to maintain credibility as a neutral mediator.
This delicate act has kept India relevant in the conflict, but it also means walking on a diplomatic tightrope.
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Could Modi Mediate a Ceasefire?
The idea of PM Modi acting as a mediator between Putin and Zelensky is gaining momentum. Several scenarios are possible:
1. Backchannel Diplomacy – India may quietly host informal talks or shuttle diplomacy between Moscow and Kyiv.
2. Energy Negotiations – As one of Russia’s biggest oil buyers, India could leverage its position to encourage Moscow to agree to talks.
3. Humanitarian Corridors – India could propose temporary ceasefires to allow evacuation, medical aid, and humanitarian support.
4. Global South Representation – By mediating, India could present itself as the voice of developing nations who are suffering due to rising food and energy prices caused by the war.
While a complete end to the war may still be far away, even small confidence-building steps would strengthen India’s image as a global peacemaker.
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What Zelensky’s Request Really Means
Zelensky’s call for an oil embargo on Russia may not find support in India, as it directly affects New Delhi’s economy. However, his request to meet Modi shows that Ukraine is serious about involving India in peace efforts.
For Kyiv, India’s participation would give legitimacy to any peace talks, especially in the eyes of non-Western countries. For New Delhi, this presents both an opportunity and a challenge—can India maintain neutrality while actively engaging in negotiations?
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India’s Image on the Global Stage
This moment could define India’s foreign policy for the next decade. If Modi succeeds in even partially mediating, India will be recognized as a global peace broker, not just a regional power. It would also strengthen India’s case for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Already, world leaders from Joe Biden to Emmanuel Macron have acknowledged India’s unique position. The fact that both Putin and Zelensky keep reaching out to Modi shows that New Delhi’s voice matters in one of the most dangerous conflicts of the 21st century.
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Conclusion: Is India Playing the Big Peace Game?
The ongoing Russia–Ukraine war is far from resolution, but India’s role is growing bigger by the day. With both Putin and Zelensky maintaining direct communication with PM Modi, the possibility of India shaping the future course of the war cannot be ignored.
While India may not support sanctions or military interventions, it is slowly emerging as a credible bridge between East and West, between Russia and Ukraine, between war and peace.
The world is watching closely: Will Modi take the bold step of initiating formal peace talks? Or will India continue its cautious balancing act?
One thing is clear—New Delhi is no longer just a spectator. It is now a key player in the big peace game.
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