The op-ed published by UK High Commission New Delhi, French Embassy New Delhi and German Embassy New Delhi explicitly called out Moscow’s ongoing military escalation even as peace talks were underway, adding that Russia was “the one leader who could end the war any time he so wishes”. The piece described recent airstrikes and drone assaults as deliberate acts of aggression, rather than miscalculations, and warned that Europe would respond by increasing both military and non-military support to Ukraine.
Indian officials familiar with the matter described the behind-the-scenes approach as “polite” and “subtle,” reflecting an understanding of New Delhi’s complex balancing act. Officials reportedly emphasised that while India supports diplomacy and has consistently called for a resolution of the war through dialogue, they consider wholesale public pressure from third-party powers neither effective nor diplomatically appropriate.
The visit begins against a backdrop of deepening economic and energy ties between India and Russia. Moscow’s foreign-policy establishment has signalled a willingness to address what it acknowledges as a substantial trade imbalance, offering concrete proposals to import Indian goods, ease trade mechanisms, and expand labour-migration pathways. Talks on energy supply, defence equipment deals, and payments using national currencies remain central to the summit’s agenda.
At the same time, the diplomatic tone from Europe underscores broader concerns about regional security and global stability. The European Union envoy to India reiterated that European nations view Russia as an aggressor whose actions threaten the security architecture of the continent — and urged New Delhi to factor in those security concerns as it deepens ties with Moscow.
Observers in Washington are watching the summit with keen interest. Analysts warn that any high-profile optics — such as lavish ceremonial events or large defence orders — could be interpreted by the US as a signal that India is prioritising its bilateral ties with Russia over mounting diplomatic pressure from the West. At the same time, they note that India’s long-standing policy of strategic autonomy remains intact, and any outcome will reflect New Delhi’s attempt to navigate competing pressures while preserving its core interests.