India has welcomed the upcoming summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, scheduled for August 15 in Alaska, expressing hope it could lead to a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict.

“India welcomes the understanding reached between the United States and the Russian Federation for a meeting in Alaska. This meeting holds the promise of ending the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and opening up prospects for peace,” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Saturday. Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s words, he reiterated, “This is not an era of war.”

The MEA added that New Delhi “stands ready” to support these peace efforts.

The announcement comes amid rising speculation over U.S. punitive tariffs on India. Trump had earlier imposed a 25% levy for New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil, but the Alaska meeting could also determine its future.

In preparation, Putin called PM Modi on Friday to brief him on his talks with Trump, following a meeting with U.S. Special Envoy Steven Witkoff in Moscow. The Kremlin said Putin shared key outcomes in light of the “special privileged partnership” between Russia and India.

Trump, who on Thursday expressed disappointment with Putin, signaled optimism on Friday, saying there was “a very good chance” peace could be achieved. He also hinted at a territorial exchange as part of a potential deal.

Friday marked Trump’s deadline for considering further sanctions on Moscow and secondary tariffs on nations buying Russian energy. Witkoff’s visit to Moscow earlier in the week is seen as having laid the groundwork for the summit.

The high-profile meeting in Alaska could reshape both global diplomacy and trade relations involving Washington, Moscow, and New Delhi.