India Backs Trump–Putin Alaska Summit, Eyes Ukraine Peace & Tariff Relief

New Delhi:
India has extended its support to the upcoming high-level summit between United States President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, scheduled for August 15, 2025, in Alaska. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed optimism that the talks could pave the way for ending the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and opening new avenues for global peace.

In a statement issued Saturday, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “India welcomes the understanding reached between the United States and the Russian Federation for a meeting in Alaska on 15 August 2025. This meeting holds the promise of bringing an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and opening up prospects for peace. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said on several occasions, ‘This is not an era of war’.”

The MEA further underlined that New Delhi “stands ready” to support peace initiatives emerging from the summit.

A Diplomatic Turnaround

The announcement follows a whirlwind of diplomatic developments over the past three days. On Friday, Trump took to Truth Social to confirm, “The highly anticipated meeting between myself and Putin will take place next Friday, August 15, 2025, in the Great State of Alaska. Further details to follow.”

The declaration came just a day after Trump voiced his “disappointment” with Putin, although he acknowledged progress in ongoing discussions.

Putin–Modi Conversation

Ahead of the summit, President Putin called Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday evening to brief him on the discussions with the US administration regarding Ukraine. According to the Kremlin’s readout, Putin highlighted the “special privileged partnership” between Russia and India while sharing key outcomes from his meeting with US Special Envoy Steven Witkoff in Moscow on Wednesday.

The MEA confirmed that Prime Minister Modi thanked Putin for the update and reiterated India’s consistent position in favor of a peaceful settlement.

Trade Tariff Angle

The Alaska meeting could also influence Washington’s 25% punitive tariff on Indian imports, imposed over New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil. Trump had previously warned of further sanctions and secondary tariffs against countries continuing energy trade with Moscow. The upcoming talks may open the door to easing those trade tensions.

Path to Peace

Trump hinted that the summit could lead to a historic resolution, saying there was “a very good chance” that peace was “around the corner.” He suggested that a territorial adjustment might form part of the deal, aimed at benefiting all parties involved.

The groundwork for the summit was laid by Witkoff’s discussions with Putin earlier this week, which Trump described as “very good talks” that created momentum for direct engagement.

As the world watches, the Alaska summit is expected to be a defining moment in global diplomacy, potentially reshaping the course of the Ukraine conflict and US–Russia relations — with India playing a supportive role in the peace process.

Highlights:

India welcomes Trump–Putin Alaska summit, scheduled for August 15, 2025.
MEA says talks could bring peace in Ukraine; cites PM Modi’s “not an era of war” stance.
Putin briefed PM Modi ahead of summit discussions.
Meeting may influence US tariffs on India over Russian oil imports.
Trump optimistic about a potential peace deal involving territorial adjustments.

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