Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 30, 2025, expressed deep concern over Russian claims that Ukraine launched 91 long-range drones at President Vladimir Putin’s state residence in Novgorod region on the night of December 28-29, all intercepted without damage or casualties, as stated by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. In an X post, Modi urged all parties to prioritize ongoing diplomatic efforts for peace, avoiding escalatory actions amid fragile talks influenced by recent US President Donald Trump-Zelenskyy discussions. From India’s strategic lens, this underscores New Delhi’s balanced ties with Moscow—vital for defense imports like S-400 systems—while advocating restraint to prevent broader instability that could spike energy prices and disrupt Indo-Pacific security amid China-Pakistan pressures. Ukraine dismissed the allegations as baseless propaganda to sabotage negotiations.