Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone conversation today with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reaffirming India’s consistent call for a peaceful settlement of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and reiterating New Delhi’s readiness to support all genuine diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring peace.
The call comes amid renewed hostilities in Ukraine, including a deadly missile strike on a bus station in Zaporizhzhia that reportedly injured dozens of civilians, which President Zelenskyy characterised as a “deliberate Russian bombing of a regular urban facility.”
In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that Prime Minister Modi “thanked President Zelenskyy and reaffirmed India’s steadfast and consistent position for peaceful settlement of the conflict and support for efforts aimed at earliest restoration of peace.”
President Zelenskyy, in his public remarks following the call, expressed appreciation for India’s support and shared graphic details of continued Russian aggression, noting that such attacks contradict the possibility of a ceasefire.
“Instead of demonstrating readiness for a ceasefire, Russia is showing only its desire to continue the occupation and killings,” Zelenskyy said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“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.”
He further urged India to use its international influence to send stronger signals to Moscow, particularly regarding the export of Russian energy. Zelenskyy emphasized that limiting Russia’s ability to fund its war through oil exports would be a key component of any effective international pressure campaign.
India has consistently walked a tightrope since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war, calling for cessation of violence and respect for territorial integrity while maintaining its strategic and energy ties with Moscow.
New Delhi has abstained from condemning Russia directly in multilateral forums but has increasingly used diplomatic channels to express concern over civilian casualties and the need for peaceful resolution. Today’s call reflects India’s continued commitment to this carefully balanced stance-engaging with both sides while avoiding overt alignment.
Beyond the conflict, the leaders also reviewed progress in India-Ukraine bilateral relations and explored opportunities for cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Discussions reportedly included economic ties, agricultural trade, and technology collaboration-sectors that have seen disruptions due to the war but remain of long-term significance.
Both leaders agreed to “remain in touch” and are planning a personal meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September. Talks are also underway for a possible exchange of visits in the coming months.
With the UNGA session approaching, India’s outreach to both Ukraine and Russia is likely part of a broader diplomatic initiative to position itself as a bridge-builder in global conflicts. As one of the few major powers with open lines of communication to both Kyiv and Moscow, India is uniquely placed to play a moderating role-if it chooses to take on that responsibility.
Today’s call also comes amid increasing global interest in India’s foreign policy positions, especially as tensions in Eastern Europe show little sign of abating. Whether New Delhi’s emphasis on dialogue and de-escalation will translate into meaningful diplomatic momentum remains to be seen.