Tianjin: In a phone call on Saturday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of India’s commitment to fostering a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The conversation, reported by PTI, occurred as Modi arrived in Tianjin, China, to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, where he is set to engage in extensive discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday. The Ukraine crisis is expected to be a key focus of their talks.
Zelenskyy initiated the call, expressing Ukraine’s willingness to engage with Russia’s leadership and emphasizing the need for an immediate ceasefire to halt the war. In a social media post, he noted that India is prepared to take necessary steps and convey an appropriate message to Russia during the SCO summit. He also briefed Modi on his recent August 18 meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, which followed Trump’s talks with Putin in Alaska three days earlier.
Modi, in a post on X, thanked Zelenskyy for the call, stating that they discussed the conflict’s humanitarian impact and efforts to restore peace. An official Indian statement reaffirmed India’s consistent stance on supporting peace initiatives and its readiness to provide all possible assistance. Zelenskyy highlighted that despite diplomatic opportunities, Russia has continued attacks on civilian targets, killing dozens in recent weeks. He expressed gratitude for Modi’s condolences to the victims’ families and stressed that a ceasefire is essential for meaningful peace talks, a position he said is widely supported.
The leaders also reviewed the India-Ukraine partnership, discussing ways to strengthen ties, including preparations for mutual visits and a joint intergovernmental commission meeting. Reports suggest Zelenskyy may visit India soon. Modi’s prior visits to Moscow and Kyiv last year underscored India’s call for dialogue, with the prime minister urging both nations to work toward peace without delay.
India Poised to Urge Russia for Ukraine Ceasefire at SCO Summit
