Indian PM and Russian President Discusses Strengthening Strategic Partnership and Ukraine Conflict

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin today to discuss ways to further strengthen the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” between India and Russia. In a tweet following the conversation, PM Modi stated that they exchanged views on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and shared his insights from a recent visit to Ukraine.

During the call, Modi reiterated India’s commitment to supporting an early, enduring, and peaceful resolution to the conflict. The discussion underscored India’s role in international diplomacy and its ongoing efforts to contribute to global peace and stability.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Ukraine was notable as a rare wartime trip by a leader of a country considered a close ally of Russia. During his visit, Modi emphasized the importance of territorial integrity and focused on advocating for peace. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appeared to be unimpressed, issuing what some experts described as “curt” messages towards India in a press conference after Modi’s departure.

Zelenskyy subtly criticized India’s stance by referring to its border standoff with China and highlighting the limits of New Delhi’s peace efforts, particularly noting that India did not endorse a joint communiqué at the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland. Zelenskyy suggested that while he would welcome India hosting a future peace summit, this would only be possible if India showed greater alignment with Ukraine’s position by signing such documents.

Experts, point out that Ukraine perceives India as operating “under the shadow” of Russia and not recognizing Russia as an aggressor. This perception could challenge India’s efforts to position itself as a neutral mediator in the conflict and may prompt a reevaluation of its foreign policy towards Ukraine and other post-Soviet states.

Overall, Modi’s visit underscored the complexities of India’s diplomatic balancing act between maintaining its strategic partnership with Russia and responding to global calls for a firmer stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.