India’s Diplomatic Influence in the Ukraine Conflict
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had a phone call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, underlining India’s increasing diplomatic influence in the Ukraine conflict. Von der Leyen commended New Delhi for persuading Russia to shift direction towards putting an end to the war and re-expressed the EU’s gratitude to India for its outreach to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
In a post on X after the conversation, von der Leyen stressed that the war in Ukraine has broad implications, with repercussions for global security and economic stability. She cautioned that the war poses threats beyond Europe, stressing the necessity for international cooperation to end the crisis.
We had the pleasure of speaking with Prime Minister @narendramodi.
We warmly welcome India’s continued engagement with President Zelenskyy.
India has an important role to play in bringing Russia to end its war of aggression and helping create a path towards peace.
This war… pic.twitter.com/ri5Vkep6MQ
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) September 4, 2025
Strategic EU-India Agenda in the Pipeline
The two leaders also touched on proposals for furthering EU-India cooperation, with a common strategic agenda likely to be endorsed at the next EU-India summit in 2026. Von der Leyen termed the discussions as a move towards enhanced cooperation on worldwide matters, such as security, trade, and geopolitical issues.
The head of the European Commission underlined the need for swift progress to strengthen the EU-India partnership. “To make this happen, action must be taken now,” she said, emphasizing that setting the groundwork today would lead to more fruitful results at the summit.
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Free Trade Deal in Focus
Trade was also a major area of discussion. Von der Leyen reiterated the EU’s intent to finish the long outstanding Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks with India by the end of 2025. The deal, upon its completion, is likely to increase bilateral trade and investment levels, opening up opportunities for both sides.
Observers view the EU’s forward push as an indication of its commitment to deepening relations with India not just economically but also as a co-operator in ensuring global stability. Commentators estimate that India’s balancing act between key global powers will increasingly determine the geopolitics of the world, with Brussels eager to recognize and harness this power.
As the continent grapples with the current Ukraine crisis and seeks to secure strategic alliances, India’s role seems to be all-important both in brokering inter-state tensions and facilitating mutual economic interests with the EU.
