New Delhi: As global politics grows more volatile, India is quietly asserting itself as a stabilizing force on the world stage. With both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky preparing for potential visits to New Delhi, India’s carefully balanced diplomacy is gaining new significance.
India’s long-standing ties with Russia are well-documented, rooted in decades of strategic cooperation. Yet, at the same time, India has managed to maintain cordial and constructive relations with Ukraine — even amid the ongoing war between the two nations. The coming visits of both leaders underscore New Delhi’s growing reputation as a neutral yet influential global player.
Zelensky Visit in the Works
In a symbolic gesture ahead of Ukraine’s Independence Day, Delhi’s Qutub Minar was illuminated in the blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag, signaling the strengthening of India-Ukraine relations. Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksandr Polishchuk revealed that efforts are underway to finalize Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s first-ever visit to India.
According to Polishchuk, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a formal invitation to President Zelensky, and both sides are now working to coordinate the details. “This visit could mark a turning point in bilateral cooperation,” the ambassador stated, adding that conversations are already leaning toward establishing a long-term strategic partnership between the two nations.
Putin Expected by Year-End
Meanwhile, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India toward the end of 2025. The confirmation comes from India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and has been echoed by Russian media outlets. Putin’s trip is expected to reaffirm the strong ties between Moscow and New Delhi, which have remained resilient even during global geopolitical shifts.
The visit also comes at a delicate time — particularly as the U.S., under President Donald Trump, has taken a harder stance on countries maintaining energy ties with Russia. Washington recently imposed a 50% tariff hike on Indian exports in response to New Delhi’s continued oil imports from Moscow — a move Indian officials have dismissed as “unjustified and politically motivated.”
Standing Firm Against U.S. Pressure
India has refused to bow to pressure from the U.S., with Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar stating that New Delhi will not compromise on its economic interests or strategic autonomy.
“The interests of Indian farmers, producers, and industries will not be sacrificed at the altar of any trade deal,” Jaishankar said during a recent policy address. He also highlighted the challenges in the current India-U.S. relationship, including Washington’s stance on India’s energy policy and its repeated commentary on India’s regional affairs, especially concerning Pakistan.
Jaishankar didn’t shy away from criticizing the nature of U.S. diplomacy under President Trump, describing it as unlike anything the international community has experienced. “Foreign policy under this administration is highly unconventional — direct, public, and often unpredictable,” he remarked. “India must adapt without compromising its core interests.”
A Defining Moment for Indian Diplomacy
The planned visits by both Putin and Zelensky illustrate the trust that both Russia and Ukraine place in India’s balanced approach to international conflict. At a time when global alliances are shifting and major powers are taking increasingly polarized positions, India is carving out a space of its own — one grounded in pragmatism, neutrality, and assertive sovereignty.
As the geopolitical chessboard continues to evolve, India’s ability to engage with conflicting powers without taking sides reflects its rise as a mature and confident diplomatic force. The coming months may not just shape India’s foreign relations — they could also redefine its role in global diplomacy for years to come.
