NEW DELHI/KYIV– Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke by phone Monday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reaffirming India’s consistent position in favor of a peaceful settlement to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and support for efforts aimed at restoring peace at the earliest opportunity.
During their conversation, Zelenskyy shared his perspectives on recent developments in Ukraine. The two leaders reviewed progress in the India-Ukraine bilateral partnership and discussed ways to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
“Prime Minister thanked President Zelensky and reaffirmed India’s steadfast and consistent position for peaceful settlement of the conflict and support for efforts aimed at earliest restoration of peace. PM reiterated India’s commitment to extend all possible support in this regard,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.
The call came ahead of this week’s anticipated meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
Modi later posted on X: “Glad to speak with President Zelensky and hear his perspectives on recent developments. I conveyed India’s consistent position on the need for an early and peaceful resolution of the conflict. India remains committed to making every possible contribution in this regard, as well as to further strengthening bilateral ties with Ukraine.”
Zelenskyy also shared details of the call on X, expressing gratitude to Modi for his “warm words of support” for the Ukrainian people. He said he briefed the Prime Minister on Russian attacks, including a recent strike on a bus station in Zaporizhzhia that injured dozens.
“This is at a time when there is finally a diplomatic possibility to end the war,” Zelenskyy wrote. “Instead of demonstrating readiness for a ceasefire, Russia is showing only its desire to continue the occupation and killings.”
The Ukrainian leader said the two agreed to meet in person in September during the United Nations General Assembly and to work toward an exchange of visits.
“It is important that India is supporting our peace efforts and shares the position that everything concerning Ukraine must be decided with Ukraine’s participation. Other formats will not deliver results,” he added. Zelenskyy also raised the issue of sanctions on Russia, calling for limits on Russian energy exports, especially oil, to reduce Moscow’s ability to finance the war.
On Saturday, India welcomed the planned Trump-Putin summit in Alaska on August 15. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called the meeting “a promising step toward ending the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and opening prospects for peace,” citing Modi’s oft-repeated view that “this is not an era of war.”
“India, therefore, endorses the upcoming summit meeting and stands ready to support these efforts,” Jaiswal said. (Source: IANS)
