Europe wants India to help mediate Ukraine peace as Putin visits
With Russian President Vladimir Putin having visited India in July 2024, European diplomats are now privately urging India to use its influence to help end the Ukraine war.
This is a shift from earlier, when Europe mainly pushed India to criticize Russia.
So far, India has kept up ties with both Russia and the West, always calling for an immediate halt to fighting and a peaceful solution through talks.
Why it matters
India's unique spot as a trusted partner for both sides puts it in a rare position to encourage dialogue.
Prime Minister Modi has urged both Putin and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy toward diplomacy during recent meetings.
As one of Russia's biggest oil buyers, India's next moves—especially during this high-profile visit—could impact not just its global image but also efforts toward peace in Ukraine.