Backed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the summit carries both the promise of peace and the risk of deepening global divides if it fails
There is a glimmer of hope after a long time in the Ukraine war. The upcoming Alaska Summit, to be held on August 15, 2025, is expected to be a turning point for the conflict in Ukraine and for the wider world. US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet there for high-stakes talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
This meeting — the first between the two leaders since the conflict erupted is being eagerly watched in India as it can have direct impact on India’s trade with the US, which frowns over India’s oil imports from Russia.
The Ministry of External Affairs has welcomed the development, stating that India welcomes the understanding reached between the United States and Russia to negotiate and that this Summit holds the promise of ending the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and opening up prospects for peace. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently maintained that “this is not an era of war” — a statement underscoring India’s position that dialogue, not confrontation, is the way forward.
The Alaska meeting is significant for several reasons. It marks President Putin’s first visit to the United States since 2015. For President Trump, it offers a chance to showcase his self-styled deal-making skills. For the rest of the world, the stakes are existential. The war in Ukraine has led to a humanitarian crisis, reshaped global energy markets and disrupted world trade. However, the path to success will be anything but smooth. The Kremlin has acknowledged that the discussions will be “challenging”, while Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has made it clear that Kyiv will not compromise on territorial sovereignty. Just days before the summit, President Trump announced a tariff on Indian goods over its imports of Russian oil — a move that could irk Moscow and strain US — India ties, potentially influencing Russia’s decision-making. There is also skepticism over Trump’s remarks about possible territorial swaps, which could provoke backlash not only in Ukraine but across Europe.
For the Alaska Summit to succeed, both leaders will need to set aside maximalist positions and find common ground to halt the fighting. This will require more than symbolic handshakes; it will demand concrete, verifiable steps towards ceasefire arrangements, humanitarian access, and a framework for longer-term negotiations that includes Kyiv as an equal stakeholder.
India’s endorsement of peace efforts is not merely rhetorical. With historic ties to Russia, a growing strategic partnership with the US, and credibility in the Global South, New Delhi’s voice carries weight in urging restraint and realism. The Alaska Summit represents a rare window of opportunity which must not be missed.
If Trump and Putin can take even a modest step towards ending hostilities, it will be a big win for global peace. On August 15, as India celebrates its Independence Day, it will also be a big relief for India which has a strained trade relation with the US due to its proximity with Russia.
