India is strategically positioning itself as a neutral yet engaged player in the Russia-Ukraine war, with plans now emerging for a potential visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the coming months, possibly as early as January 2026. This development follows closely on the heels of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent two-day stay in New Delhi. This dual engagement strategy highlights India’s unwavering commitment to diplomacy and maintaining open lines of communication with both sides. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has previously demonstrated this approach by visiting both Moscow and Kyiv in 2024. Official channels have been active between Indian and Ukrainian authorities for several weeks, with preliminary contact with Zelenskyy’s office initiated even before Putin’s arrival. The scheduling and extent of Zelenskyy’s visit will be subject to various external factors, including the trajectory of US-led peace efforts and developments on the ground in Ukraine. Internal political dynamics within Ukraine, particularly concerning recent corruption allegations, could also influence the visit’s feasibility. Historically, Ukraine’s presidential visits to India have been infrequent, with previous instances in 1992, 2002, and 2012. Putin’s recent visit had spurred diplomatic discussions in European capitals, urging India to play a more active role in peace negotiations. New Delhi maintains its consistent position that dialogue and diplomacy are the paramount solutions, with Prime Minister Modi asserting that India is ‘on the side of peace.’ India has continuously communicated with both Kyiv and Moscow since the conflict began in February 2022, with Prime Minister Modi engaging in direct conversations with both leaders on multiple occasions. The economic ramifications of the war are increasingly impacting India, with trade disruptions and sanctions affecting energy imports. Prime Minister Modi’s consistent message of peace, rooted in India’s foundational principles, was reiterated during his meeting with Putin, mirroring remarks made to Zelenskyy. While Putin provided limited details regarding discussions, he confirmed conversations about the Ukraine situation and peace settlement talks. India has repeatedly affirmed its readiness to support any peaceful resolution. Interestingly, references to the Ukraine situation in official communications have increasingly employed the term ‘crisis’ rather than ‘war’, and the joint statement following the December 2025 meeting notably omitted any mention of the conflict. Efforts are now underway to coordinate with new officials in President Zelenskyy’s office to finalize mutually agreeable dates for the potential visit, ensuring the continuation of India’s carefully managed diplomatic balance.
