'Read' Flag: Western Envoys’ Ukraine Op-Ed Piece Ahead Of High-Stakes Putin Visit Irks India

Last Updated:December 03, 2025, 17:49 IST

The diplomats accused President Putin of obstructing peace efforts and escalating the war through indiscriminate attacks

Officials stressed that it is not appropriate for foreign envoys to publicly advise New Delhi on its relationships with a third sovereign country, particularly a close strategic partner like Russia. File pic

Indian government officials have conveyed strong displeasure over a joint opinion piece published by the envoys of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany just ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s crucial visit, deeming the public criticism an “unacceptable diplomatic practice".

The op-ed, published in a leading national daily and co-authored by UK High Commissioner Lindy Cameron, French Ambassador Thierry Mathou, and German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann, was sharply critical of Moscow’s role in the Ukraine conflict. Titled “World Wants The Ukraine War To End, But Russia Doesn’t Seem Serious About Peace", the diplomats accused President Putin of obstructing peace efforts and escalating the war through indiscriminate attacks, even amid ongoing diplomatic initiatives. They argued that such actions demonstrated a “total disregard for human life" and undermined global stability.

Officials Slam ‘Unusual’ Intervention

Senior Indian officials described the joint article as “very unusual" and a breach of diplomatic norms. The core objection was not to the contents but to the timing and the public nature of the intervention. Officials stressed that it is not appropriate for foreign envoys to publicly advise New Delhi on its relationships with a third sovereign country, particularly a close strategic partner like Russia.

An MEA official said, “We see this as very unusual. It is not an acceptable diplomatic practice to advise India’s foreign relations with a third country. We have taken note of it." This response firmly underscores India’s commitment to its long-standing foreign policy principle of strategic autonomy, which dictates that New Delhi charts its own course based on national interests, regardless of external pressure.

Putin Summit

The controversial article was published just before President Putin’s arrival for the 23rd annual India-Russia summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The high-stakes visit is critical for reinforcing the enduring partnership, particularly in the defence, energy, and trade sectors, which have flourished despite Western sanctions on Moscow. India’s imports of Russian crude oil have skyrocketed, and discussions are expected to include the potential procurement of additional batches of the S-400 Triumf air defence system.

Observers said that by publishing the piece, the three Western nations—key allies who have strongly supported Ukraine—were clearly attempting to exert pressure and signal their deep disapproval of India’s continued strategic engagement with Russia. They indirectly referenced Prime Minister Modi’s own stance that the war cannot be settled on the battlefield, though they used it to cast doubt on Russia’s commitment to peace.

The diplomatic spat highlights the ongoing delicate tightrope walk for India, which seeks to deepen its comprehensive partnership with Western nations while maintaining its time-tested strategic ties with Russia. India’s official position on the Ukraine conflict remains unchanged: it advocates for sustained “dialogue and diplomacy" as the only viable path to a durable peace, supporting all credible international efforts to end hostilities.

News world 'Read' Flag: Western Envoys’ Ukraine Op-Ed Piece Ahead Of High-Stakes Putin Visit Irks India

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