Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a significant phone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, just days ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in China, where Russian President Vladimir Putin is also expected to be in attendance. PM Modi expected to meet Russian president Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the SCO summit.
The Ukrainian leader said he briefed PM Modi on his recent high-level discussions with US President Donald Trump and European leaders in Washington. “It was a productive and important conversation, a shared vision among partners on how to achieve real peace,” Zelenskyy posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). “Ukraine reaffirmed its readiness for a meeting with the head of Russia.”
However, Zelenskyy expressed frustration over Moscow’s continued military aggression.
“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,” he said, thanking Modi for his condolences to the victims’ families.
The call is seen as part of Ukraine’s broader diplomatic push to rally support from major global actors ahead of possible peace discussions. Zelensky and Modi reportedly coordinated their positions ahead of the SCO summit, where India, Russia, and China - along with several Central Asian states - will engage in multilateral talks.
“The end of this war must begin with an immediate ceasefire, with the necessary silence,” Zelenskyy emphasized. “This position is understood and supported by everyone. It is impossible to speak meaningfully about peace while our cities and communities are under constant fire.”
Zelenskyy welcomed India’s willingness to facilitate dialogue, adding, “India is ready to make the necessary efforts and to deliver the appropriate signal to Russia and other leaders during the meetings on the sidelines of the summit.”
In a post following the call, Prime Minister Modi said,” Thank President Zelenskyy, for his phone call today. We exchanged views on the ongoing conflict, its humanitarian aspect, and efforts to restore peace and stability. India extends full support to all efforts in this direction.”
The two leaders also discussed strengthening bilateral ties, with talks underway for a possible exchange of visits and the convening of a Joint Intergovernmental Commission. “There is potential we can realize,” Zelenskyy noted. “I will be glad to meet the Prime Minister in the near future.”
This call marks an important step in Kyiv’s diplomatic strategy, as India continues to maintain strategic ties with both Russia and the West. Observers will be closely watching India’s role at the SCO summit, particularly its potential as a mediator in one of the world’s most pressing conflicts.