New Delhi | Aug 08, 2025 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and to review the current state of bilateral cooperation between India and Russia. The high-level call comes amid ongoing international efforts to bring about a peaceful resolution to the prolonged war in Eastern Europe.

According to an official statement released by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), President Putin provided Prime Minister Modi with a detailed update on the recent developments in Ukraine. In response, PM Modi reiterated India’s long-standing position—advocating dialogue and diplomacy over violence and calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

“President Putin briefed PM on the latest developments concerning Ukraine. While thanking President Putin for his detailed assessment, Prime Minister reiterated India’s consistent position for peaceful resolution of the conflict,” the PIB statement read.

The two leaders also reviewed the state of bilateral ties and expressed satisfaction over the progress made in key areas, reaffirming their commitment to further deepen what they referred to as a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.”

“The two leaders also reviewed progress in the bilateral agenda, and reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia,” the statement added.

A key highlight of the conversation was PM Modi’s formal invitation to President Putin to visit India later this year for the 23rd Annual Bilateral Summit. If confirmed, the visit is expected to inject fresh momentum into strategic cooperation between the two nations, particularly in trade, defence, and energy sectors.

The timing of the call is especially significant, as diplomatic activity around the Ukraine conflict appears to be intensifying. Earlier on Friday, President Putin reportedly spoke with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, informing him of discussions with Steve Witkoff, the envoy of U.S. President Donald Trump. According to reports from Belarusian agency Belta, the talks focused on American proposals for initiating peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.

Putin also reportedly agreed to meet President Trump, with preparations currently underway to determine the venue for what could be a high-profile meeting with global implications. The Russian state news agency TASS confirmed that Putin also updated leaders of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on his discussions with Witkoff, further indicating a potential shift in diplomatic engagements around the conflict.

For India, the phone call with Putin reinforces New Delhi’s delicate balancing act—maintaining strong strategic ties with Russia while also supporting global peace initiatives. India has consistently abstained from voting against Russia in the United Nations, instead calling for cessation of violence and respect for international law.

As both nations prepare for the potential high-level visit later this year, the Modi-Putin conversation signals continuity in bilateral relations and India’s role as a diplomatic bridge in global conflicts