India Displeased Over Joint Op-Ed By UK, French & German Envoys Ahead Of Putin Visit; Calls Move ‘Unusual’ And ‘Not Acceptable’ | India News

New Delhi expressed its displeasure after the British, French and German ambassadors in India wrote a joint column in a national daily newspaper ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit. Senior officials in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the move as “highly unusual” and “unacceptable diplomatic practice”.

An op-ed published in the Times of India, co-written by UK ambassador Lindy Cameron, French ambassador Thierry Mathou and German envoy Philipp Ackermann, harshly criticized Moscow’s role in the Ukraine conflict. Diplomats accused Russia of escalating the war through increased air strikes even amid peace initiatives, undermining global stability through airspace violations, cyber attacks and disinformation campaigns. They also cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s view that solutions cannot be found on the battlefield.

MEA officials maintained that India had “taken note” of the article and that it was inappropriate for foreign envoys to publicly advise New Delhi on its relations with a third country. “This is a very unusual situation. Advising the public on third country relations is an unacceptable diplomatic practice,” an official said.

The reaction comes as India prepares for what it calls President Putin’s “important” visit, highlighting the continued importance of the India-Russia partnership. MEA officials pointed out that regional and international issues will be discussed during the talks and said, “India and Russia have shared one of the most stable relations of modern times. It has contributed to peace and stability, and there is a deep understanding on both sides about the importance of this relationship.”

Officials stated that terrorism continues to be an important issue in bilateral cooperation and reminded that Russia was the first country where India established a special working group on combating terrorism in 2002.

Regarding trade concerns, the government has expressed confidence that India’s exports to Russia (especially pharmaceuticals, agriculture, processed foods and consumer products) will register a significant increase, helping to resolve the trade imbalance.

Responding to questions on reports of Indians joining the Russian Army, officials said more than a dozen people had already been repatriated and urged citizens to be careful when signing foreign employment contracts.

MEA claimed that Indian energy companies took decisions “according to international market dynamics” amid US sanctions pressure on Russia’s oil purchases.

As geopolitical tensions continue to shape global diplomatic messages, President Putin’s visit is expected to strengthen strategic cooperation.