India is carefully watching the upcoming meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15, 2025. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has welcomed the planned summit, expressing hope that it will lead to a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the MEA reiterated that "this is not an era of war," signaling India's support for diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.
The summit gains significance as it is slated to be Putin's first visit to the United States since 2015. Both Trump and the Kremlin have confirmed the meeting, stating that the two leaders will explore options for a lasting resolution to the Ukrainian conflict. While the Kremlin acknowledges the process will be "challenging," Moscow has committed to engaging "actively and energetically".
India's interest in the US-Russia talks stems from its consistent advocacy for resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. Despite facing pressure from the United States to reduce its ties with Russia, particularly regarding energy and defense cooperation, India has maintained an independent foreign policy.
Recently, Trump has criticized India for buying oil and weapons from Russia, even doubling tariffs on Indian exports to the United States. Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu has questioned the US stance, pointing out that the US also imports from Russia. Naidu asserted that India would prioritize its national interests when making decisions about imports.
Despite these trade tensions, the US State Department maintains that "India is a strategic partner" and that both countries are engaged in "full and frank dialogue". However, the tariff dispute and geopolitical differences have strained bilateral relations.
Even with the strain, India's endorsement of the Alaska summit highlights its commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and its willingness to support initiatives that could bring an end to the war in Ukraine. India's consistent position has been that a solution to the conflict is not possible on the battlefield and that peace efforts require dialogue.
As the international community awaits the outcome of the Alaska assembly, India hopes the meeting between Trump and Putin will pave the way for a lasting peace in Ukraine.
