 "'India is not neutral': PM Modi calls for peace in bilateral talks with Putin at Hyderabad House")
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that India is not “neutral” but stands on the side of peace as he met Russian President Vladimir Putin in New Delhi’s Hyderabad House for bilateral talks.
Earlier today, Putin was given a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan forecourt in the presence of PM Modi, President Droupadi Murmu and the Indian as well as the Russian delegation.
**Catch all the live updates on Putin's India visit here**“Since the Ukraine crisis began, we have been in constant discussion. From time to time, you too, as a true friend, have kept us informed about everything. I believe that trust is a great strength, and I have discussed this matter with you many times and also presented it before the world,” PM Modi said during his bilateral meeting with Putin.
VIDEO | During bilateral meeting with Russian President Putin, PM Modi (@narendramodi) says, "Since the Ukraine crisis began, we have been in constant discussion. From time to time, you too, as a true friend, have kept us informed about everything. I believe that trust is a great… pic.twitter.com/KCBFUFDiE7
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 5, 2025
PM Modi further said, “In recent days, whenever I have spoken with leaders of the global community and discussed this issue in detail, I have always said that India is not neutral. India has a clear position, and that position is for peace. We support every effort toward peace.”
VIDEO | Referring to the Ukraine conflict during a bilateral meeting with Russian President Putin, PM Modi (@narendramodi) says, "In recent days, whenever I have spoken with leaders of the global community and discussed this issue in detail, I have always said that India is not… pic.twitter.com/AO45Zvr5qK
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 5, 2025
Putin thanked PM Modi for inviting him to India. Regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, Putin said, “Russia is working on a peaceful settlement with Ukraine. The world will only benefit if we travel on the path of peace.”
He also asserted that India and Russia’s ties are based on trust and are “deeply rooted in history.”
Meanwhile, New Delhi abstained from voting on a UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolution demanding an end to Russia’s forced relocation of Ukrainian children. On Wednesday, the 193-member Assembly adopted the draft resolution ‘Return of Ukrainian children’.
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