Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has said India and Russia both want a peaceful solution to the Ukraine conflict, stressing that New Delhi’s position corresponds closely with Moscow’s.

He noted that Russia is aware of India’s stance and welcomed India’s willingness to contribute to efforts aimed at resolving the crisis.

Peskov, speaking to reporters via a virtual briefing from Moscow, underlined that Russia seeks a settlement through peaceful means and remains open to such a process.

He stated, “We know the position of India on the Ukrainian conflict, and to a great extent, it corresponds with our own position, because we do want the solution of the Ukrainian conflict by peaceful means, and Russia is open to this process.”

He added that Russia welcomes India’s readiness to play a role in the peace process. “We welcome the willingness of the Indian side to contribute,” he said. He also welcomed the efforts of US President Donald Trump, saying, “We welcome the efforts of American President Trump.”

The Kremlin spokesperson insisted that Russia had never wanted the war, asserting that Moscow was trying to stop a conflict that had been launched earlier. “We actually never wanted this war. What we're trying to do, we're trying to stop the war that was launched before, and it was not launched by us,” Peskov said.

He highlighted that the upcoming bilateral meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi would provide an opportunity to discuss the Ukraine conflict and wider international issues. “It will be another opportunity for President Putin to inform his Indian friend on the current situation on the front, on the war with Ukraine, and it will be a great opportunity for exchange of opinions on international issues,” he said.

Ahead of Putin’s visit to India for the BRICS Summit beginning on September 12 in New Delhi, Peskov confirmed that Modi and Putin will hold a bilateral meeting, likely on Friday, September 11.

He said, “We're looking forward to the President and Prime Minister having another bilateral meeting during the visit. It is scheduled. It is scheduled for Friday, so first, like always, they will touch on the bilateral agenda. Trade and economic cooperation is a very wide scope.”

Peskov emphasised that the visit would allow the two countries to discuss bilateral relations while also wishing India success in hosting the summit. He elaborated that the leaders share a close personal rapport, describing them as pragmatic and sincere in their exchanges. “In a couple of days, President Putin will begin his India visit.

You know that our two leaders, Indian and Russian leaders, are in very close personal contact. They are very pragmatic in their relationship, and they are sincere as to be able to discuss in a very open and constructive way the most sensitive issues of our agenda and our bilateral relations. Of course, it opens additional horizons for our cooperation,” he said.

He expressed confidence in the success of the summit, noting Russia’s commitment to strengthening BRICS cooperation across three main pillars: policy and security, economy and finance, and cultural and humanitarian contexts. He added that Russia supports the idea of inviting new countries to join different formats within BRICS.

This statement comes at a time when India continues to balance its diplomatic ties with both Russia and Western nations, maintaining its consistent call for dialogue and diplomacy in the Ukraine conflict.

The Modi-Putin meeting is expected to reinforce the strategic partnership between the two countries, while also addressing pressing global challenges.

ANI