Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reaffirming India’s consistent position that it will make “every possible contribution” toward the early and peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The exchange came ahead of a scheduled summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed at addressing the war.
Posting about the discussion on X, PM Modi said he was “glad to speak” with President Zelenskyy, hearing his perspective on recent developments. He reiterated India’s commitment to peace and expressed interest in further strengthening bilateral ties with Ukraine.
President Zelenskyy, in his own statement, said the conversation covered both diplomatic developments and areas of bilateral cooperation. He expressed gratitude for India’s warm words of support, while briefing Modi on recent Russian strikes, including a bombing at a bus station in Zaporizhzhia that injured dozens. Zelenskyy criticized Moscow for showing “desire to continue the occupation and killings” despite the possibility of a diplomatic resolution.
The Ukrainian leader emphasized the importance of India’s backing for peace efforts and insisted that “everything concerning Ukraine must be decided with Ukraine’s participation,” warning that alternative formats would fail. He also urged India to send strong signals to Moscow, particularly by limiting Russian energy exports to reduce its war financing. Both leaders agreed to meet in person during the UN General Assembly in September and to plan further exchanges of visits.
The call came just days after PM Modi spoke with President Putin, who briefed him on the conflict following meetings with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. The Kremlin reported that the discussion also touched on trade, economic cooperation, and investment ties. Modi reiterated India’s “unwavering stance” in favor of a political and diplomatic settlement to the war.
India has maintained a delicate balancing act during the conflict, engaging with both Kyiv and Moscow while advocating for dialogue over military escalation. With high-stakes diplomacy set to unfold at the upcoming U.S.-Russia summit in Alaska, Modi’s outreach to both sides underscores New Delhi’s intent to remain an active voice for peace on the global stage.
