As Ukraine war rages, Russian FM Lavrov calls on PM Modi; India holds its ground on diplomacy

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Thursday, with the two sides exchanging views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and the situation in West Asia.

During the meeting, PM Modi reiterated India's consistent position that dialogue and diplomacy are the best way forward, a stance New Delhi has maintained since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Also read: India, Russia review energy and economy amid West Asia war


India has repeatedly refused to condemn Moscow at the United Nations, abstaining on multiple resolutions, while simultaneously engaging Western capitals and pushing for a negotiated end to the conflict.

Lavrov briefed the Prime Minister on the progress achieved in bilateral cooperation since Modi's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in December 2025 at the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. The two also discussed the situation in West Asia, where India has significant strategic and energy interests.

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Modi requested Lavrov to convey his warm greetings to President Putin. FM Lavrov is in New Delhi to attend the BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting.