India has voiced its support for the upcoming summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15, 2025. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released a statement on Saturday, describing the meeting as a promising step towards ending the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and opening prospects for peace. The MEA stated, "India welcomes the understanding reached between the United States and the Russian Federation for a meeting in Alaska on 15th August 2025. This meeting holds the promise of bringing to an end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and opening up the prospects for peace".
The endorsement aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's repeated assertions that "This is not an era of war". India has consistently advocated for resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict through diplomacy and political means. "India, therefore, endorses the upcoming Summit meeting and stands ready to support these efforts," the MEA statement added.
The summit's announcement comes at a complex juncture in international relations. Tensions between the U.S. and India have escalated recently due to trade disputes and disagreements over India's continued purchase of Russian oil. Trump has imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports, bringing the total duties to 50%, a move perceived by some as a pressure tactic to influence India's relationship with Russia.
Despite these tensions, India has maintained its strategic autonomy and commitment to its partnership with Russia. On Friday, PM Modi and President Putin had a phone conversation, reaffirming their commitment to deepening the "India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership". Modi also conveyed his anticipation of hosting Putin in India later this year for the annual India-Russia summit.
During the call, Putin briefed Modi on developments related to the Russia-Ukraine war. Modi reiterated India's consistent position for the peaceful resolution of the conflict.
Analysts suggest that India's support for the U.S.-Russia summit reflects its independent foreign policy and its willingness to play a constructive role in global affairs. By endorsing the summit, India signals its commitment to peace and its readiness to support efforts aimed at resolving the Ukraine crisis.
The U.S. State Department has affirmed that despite the current disagreements, it still considers India a "strategic partner". The department emphasized the importance of open dialogue to address concerns related to trade imbalances and India's Russian oil purchases.
India's relationship with Russia has deep roots, dating back to the Soviet era. Russia has been a reliable partner, providing political support and defense technology that other nations were unwilling to offer. This historical context contributes to the enduring strength of the India-Russia partnership, even amidst external pressures.
As the U.S.-Russia summit approaches, India's endorsement underscores its proactive approach to international relations and its commitment to fostering peaceful resolutions to global conflicts. India's willingness to support the summit, despite its own challenges with the U.S. regarding trade and energy, highlights its dedication to diplomacy and its vision for a peaceful and stable world order.
