India’s Role in Ukraine Peace Efforts Grows as Modi Receives Invitation from Putin

On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bilateral discussions on the sidelines of the upcoming BRICS summit, scheduled for October. This invitation is viewed as highly significant, especially as India continues to play a pivotal role in exploring diplomatic avenues for peace between Ukraine and Russia.

India’s National Security Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval, currently visiting Russia, held extensive talks with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Shoigu, in St. Petersburg. Their discussions covered a range of critical issues of “mutual interest,” as speculation grows around India’s potential role in mediating a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The Doval-Shoigu meeting took place on the margins of a gathering of national security advisors from the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) on Wednesday evening.

During Doval’s meeting with Russian leadership, Putin reportedly conveyed his wish to meet PM Modi on October 22, underscoring the strong personal rapport between the two leaders.

This invitation arrives amid growing diplomatic engagement between India and Russia, as both countries continue to assert their influence within the BRICS coalition, further strengthening their strategic partnership.