Moscow, Jan 21 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is positioning himself as a potential bridge between Russia and Europe – a role gaining momentum as Europe considers a different approach to Moscow, according to a recent report.

The Indian Prime Minister’s commitment to unifying global perspectives in favor of dialogue among adversaries while discouraging military solutions was underscored during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India in December, as highlighted by the Moscow-based portal 'Geopolitika'.

During this visit, PM Modi remarked to Putin that “India is not neutral — India has a position, and that position is for peace. We support every effort for peace, and we stand shoulder to shoulder with every initiative taken for peace.”

It is clear that PM Modi's strategy of advocating for a unified international stance to address global conflicts, including Ukraine, indicates New Delhi's aim to act as a bridging nation amid global divisions, as per strategic affairs analyst Atul Aneja.

Following his warm reception in Gujarat by Modi, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed his readiness to engage with Putin.

“This marked a significant shift. After previously condemning Russia, Merz stated in a policy speech on January 16, shortly after his return from India, that achieving peace in Ukraine 'cannot happen without Russia's agreement',” the 'Geopolitika' report detailed.

“Moreover, Merz emphasized the need for the EU to 're-establish balance with our largest European neighbor', suggesting that 'if there is peace … we can look ahead with great confidence beyond 2026'.”

Similarly, French President Emmanuel Macron has hinted at adopting a comparable stance, with Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni echoing this sentiment.

During Merz’s visit to India, PM Modi explicitly advocated for building international unity in support of peace negotiations.

“It is evident that PM Modi’s call for global dialogue during Merz’s trip aimed to bridge European and Asian viewpoints. This theme is expected to gain momentum as India enhances its ties with Europe in the upcoming months. This effort coincides with India's desire for a stronger relationship with Europe to counter pressure from Trump regarding an unfair trade agreement,” noted Aneja.

As EU leaders prepare to visit India as chief guests for the upcoming Republic Day celebrations, and with Macron set to attend the India–AI Impact Summit – the first global AI event for the Global South – PM Modi, the emerging international bridge builder, is anticipated to leverage the positive sentiment in Europe towards dialogue with Russia about Ukraine, potentially through a new institutional framework.

'Geopolitika' elaborated that PM Modi's vision is for India to facilitate a connection between the East and West, as well as between the Global North and South, increasingly coming into focus.

“In the Indian Prime Minister's perspective, India is a key player in a multipolar world and thus is entitled to engage with other global powers, including Russia, to address international challenges,” it concluded.