PM Modi, Ukraine’s Zelenskyy hold talks; India reaffirms push for peace with Russia

PM Modi on Saturday held a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during which the two leaders discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine with Russia and prospects for peace.

According to an official statement from the Central government, President Zelenskyy briefed the prime minister on the latest developments in the region during the phone call. In response, the PM Modi reaffirmed India’s consistent position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable routes to a lasting settlement.

The prime minister further underlined India’s readiness to extend every possible support for efforts aimed at the earliest restoration of peace.


The statement further noted that both leaders also reviewed the state of India–Ukraine relations. "The leaders also reviewed progress in the India-Ukraine bilateral partnership and discussed ways to further enhance cooperation in all areas of mutual interest. They agreed to remain in touch," it read.


Following the call, President Zelenskyy said in a post on X that he had informed PM Modi about his talks with US President Donald Trump in Washington, which also involved European leaders, describing the discussions as “productive and important” in shaping a shared vision for peace.

He added that Ukraine remained ready for a meeting with the head of Russia, but lamented Moscow’s lack of diplomatic engagement in recent weeks.

“Almost two weeks have passed, and during this time, when Russia should have been preparing for diplomacy, Moscow has given no positive signal – only carried out cynical strikes on civilian targets and killed dozens of our people,” Zelenskyy said, thanking PM Modi for his words of condolence.

India’s Stance: Recognised by both sides

The phone call comes a day after PM Modi echoed, in an interview with Japanese daily The Yomiuri Shimbun, that India has maintained a “principled and humanitarian” stance on the Russia–Ukraine conflict. He noted that this approach has been “equally appreciated” by both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“In line with this, both the leaders spoke to me to share their perspectives on the developments related to the conflict. I reiterated India’s principled and consistent stand and encouraged dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict,” Modi said in the interview.

Responding to a question on India’s role in peace efforts, the Prime Minister emphasised New Delhi’s willingness to support “meaningful efforts” dedicated to an early and lasting resolution.

“By virtue of our good relations with both sides, including key stakeholders, we can strengthen efforts dedicated to the restoration of an early and lasting peace in Ukraine,” he added.

The call with Zelenskyy took place as the prime minister continues his overseas engagements. He is currently on a two-day official visit to China for the SCO Summit after completeing a visit to Japan, where he attended the 15th India–Japan Annual Summit. During the summit, Modi is expected to hold crucial bilateral meetings with President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Tariff tensions with the US

The developments also come against the backdrop of economic friction between India and the United States. Washington has imposed tariffs of over 50% on certain Indian goods, criticising New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil as “funding the war" against Ukraine.

India has pushed back strongly against the move, calling the tariffs “unjustified and unreasonable.”

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar recently underscored that the government’s priority is safeguarding domestic interests. “What we are concerned about is that red lines are primarily in the interest of our farmers and, to some extent, our small producers… we are committed to defending their interests. That’s not something we can compromise,” he said.