- By Shivangi Sharma
- Wed, 03 Dec 2025 04:32 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
India has objected to an unusual joint article written by the envoys of the United Kingdom, France and Germany, published on 1 December in The Times of India, which sharply criticised Russia and President Vladimir Putin over the Ukraine war, NDTV reported. The piece accused Moscow of showing a “total disregard for human life” and blamed Russia entirely for prolonging the conflict.
The timing of the article has stirred diplomatic tensions in New Delhi, as it comes just days before President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to India on 4–5 December, his first since December 2021 and his first trip to a major ally since the Ukraine war began in February 2022. The visit is part of the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, where both sides are expected to discuss energy supplies, defence cooperation, and broader strategic ties.
A senior official from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed strong displeasure over the joint op-ed, calling it inappropriate interference in India’s sovereign foreign policy decision-making.
“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,” the official said.
What The Envoys Wrote
The article, co-authored by UK High Commissioner Lindy Cameron, French Ambassador Thierry Mathou, and German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann, argued that Russia has escalated the Ukraine war even during active peace negotiations. The envoys claimed that nearly two dozen of the “largest air attacks of the entire war” occurred while diplomatic talks were underway.
“These are not the actions of someone serious about peace… These indiscriminate attacks are not accidents. They are a systematic choice by Russia,” the article stated, accusing Moscow of waging its campaign with “absolute ruthlessness.”
They further argued that Putin is “the one leader who could end the war any time he so wishes”, and insisted the world wants peace but Russia does not appear willing to pursue it genuinely. he title of the op-ed was: "World wants the Ukraine war to end, but Russia does not seem serious about peace."
India's Delicate Balancing Act
Public criticism by three significant European powers places New Delhi in a sensitive position. Since 2022, India has maintained a careful diplomatic balance that includes refusing to directly condemn Russia, abstaining from UN votes, and continuing to buy Russian oil at a discount while urging dialogue and peace.
The upcoming visit of Putin will likely focus on defence supplies, including fighter jets and missile systems, and increased oil trade, cornerstones of the India–Russia partnership.