PM Modi reiterated India’s neutral yet supportive stance, even as the U.S. criticised New Delhi’s ties with Moscow. (Image Credits: Moneycontrol)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday held a crucial phone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, just two days before Modi’s scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China.
In a social media post, Modi confirmed the discussion:
“Thank President Zelenskyy for his phone call today. We exchanged views on the ongoing conflict, its humanitarian aspect, and efforts to restore peace and stability. India extends full support to all efforts in this direction.”
This was the second such phone call between the two leaders this month. Zelenskyy last reached out to Modi on August 11, three days after Modi’s telephonic conversation with Putin over the Ukraine situation.
According to the Ukrainian President, his outreach was aimed at coordinating positions with India before the SCO Summit.
“The end of this war must begin with an immediate ceasefire… It is impossible to speak meaningfully about peace while our cities and communities are under constant fire,” Zelenskyy posted.
He urged India to play a proactive role in conveying the “appropriate signal to Russia and other leaders” during high-level engagements at the summit.
The timing of the call is significant. It came against the backdrop of sharp criticism from the Trump administration in Washington over India’s continued purchases of discounted Russian oil. Senior officials, including White House trade adviser Peter Navarro, accused New Delhi of indirectly funding Moscow’s war effort by “profiteering” from energy deals.
Despite this, India has consistently maintained its independent foreign policy stance, balancing strategic partnerships while pressing for peace through dialogue and diplomacy.
A readout from the Indian government reaffirmed Modi’s message of neutrality and constructive engagement. The Prime Minister reiterated India’s “steadfast and consistent position” in favour of the peaceful settlement of the conflict and promised all possible support for the “earliest restoration of peace.”
The call also covered bilateral issues. Both leaders reviewed the India-Ukraine partnership, with Zelenskyy noting that preparations were underway for exchange visits and a meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission. “There is potential we can realise. I will be glad to meet the Prime Minister in the near future,” he added.
Zelenskyy highlighted the continuing toll of the war, noting that nearly two weeks had passed since his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. During that period, Russia, he said, had offered no diplomatic gestures, only “cynical strikes on civilian targets” that killed dozens of Ukrainians. He thanked Modi for expressing condolences to the victims’ families.
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All eyes are now on Modi’s meeting with Putin at the SCO Summit in Tianjin. Observers believe Zelenskyy’s call was a strategic attempt to influence India’s message in front of Russia and other regional leaders.
Whether New Delhi chooses to amplify Ukraine’s appeal for an immediate ceasefire, or maintains its careful diplomatic balancing act, will be closely watched.
