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Following Putin’s India visit, New Delhi is exploring a Zelensky trip in early 2026, emphasizing its balanced diplomacy and commitment to peace while navigating complex Russia-Ukraine dynamics and evolving global peace initiatives.
Russia-Ukraine balance in India and Zelensky's possible visit
New Delhi: After the completion of two days of Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India, New Delhi is now preparing for the possible visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. According to the information, this visit of Zelensky may take place in January 2026.
This step will strengthen India's strategy to engage with both sides in the Russia-Ukraine war.
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India had adopted a similar balanced policy last year. In July 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi went to Moscow and met Putin, while in August he visited Ukraine. This shows that India emphasizes maintaining dialogue and diplomacy with both sides.
According to sources, discussions have been going on between Indian and Ukrainian officials for several weeks. Contacts with Zelensky's office had begun even before Putin's visit to India.
The timing and scope of the visit will depend on a number of factors, such as the outcome of former US President Donald Trump's peace proposal, the current war scenario, and the internal politics of Ukraine, where the Zelensky government is under pressure from a corruption scandal.
India has maintained contacts with both Russia and Ukraine since the war began. Modi and Zelensky have so far had at least eight phone conversations and four face-to-face meetings. The most recent talks took place during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in August 2024.
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Despite the appeals of European countries, India has made it clear that "India is not neutral; India is in favor of peace." Modi told Putin that India always strives for peace and is ready to cooperate to resolve the war.
The Ukraine war has also had a direct impact on India. Due to Trump imposing a 25% additional tariff on oil purchases from Russia, India had to cut imports of Russian crude from September 2024.
Putin said the two leaders discussed the Ukraine situation and the US-proposed peace initiative in detail. Modi also reiterated India's steadfast position in favor of peace and offered all possible cooperation in his previous talks with Zelensky.
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The special thing is that both the leaders did not use the word "war" in this conversation and called it only a "crisis." Thus, India is active in maintaining dialogue with both sides and supporting possible peace efforts while playing a balanced role in the Russia-Ukraine war.
