In a significant diplomatic move, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a detailed telephone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, focusing on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and strengthening bilateral ties. The call, described as "long” and "warm," comes at a critical juncture, just days before a scheduled summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15, 2025, in Alaska, aimed at addressing the Ukraine crisis. This dialogue also unfolds against the backdrop of escalating trade tensions between India and the United States where Trump has imposed high tariff , what he had termed as penalty on India for procuring fuel from Russia. India has consistently negated the U.S pressure maintaining that U.S. and European Union nations have maintained their trade ties with Russia while asking India to restrict - reflective of double standards.
During the call, President Zelenskyy briefed PM Modi on recent Russian attacks, including a deliberate strike on a bus station in Zaporizhzhia that injured dozens, emphasising Russia’s continued aggression despite diplomatic opportunities for peace. Zelenskyy urged India to support Ukraine’s peace efforts, stressing that any resolution must involve Ukraine directly. He also highlighted the need to limit Russia’s energy exports, particularly oil, to curb its ability to finance the war, noting India’s significant role as one of the largest buyers of Russian crude since Western sanctions were imposed in 2022.
PM Modi reiterated India’s steadfast commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict, emphasising dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable path forward. He expressed India’s willingness to contribute to peace efforts and strengthen bilateral ties with Ukraine. The leaders reviewed progress in India-Ukraine relations, discussing cooperation in trade, defence, and post-war reconstruction. They also agreed to plan a personal meeting during the UN General Assembly in September 2025 to further these discussions.
What They said
President Zelenskyy - “I had a long conversation with the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. We discussed in detail all important issues – both of our bilateral cooperation and the overall diplomatic situation. I am grateful to the Prime Minister for his warm words of support for our people. I informed about the Russian attacks on our cities and villages, about yesterday’s strike on the bus station in Zaporizhzhia, where dozens of people were injured in a deliberate Russian bombing of a regular urban facility. And this is at a time when there is finally a diplomatic possibility to end the war. Instead of demonstrating readiness for a ceasefire, Russia is showing only its desire to continue the occupation and killings. 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. Other formats will not deliver results. We also discussed in detail the sanctions against Russia. I noted that it is necessary to limit the export of Russian energy, particularly oil, to reduce its potential and ability to finance the continuation of this war. It is important that every leader who has tangible leverage over Russia sends the corresponding signals to Moscow.”
PM Modi - "Glad to speak with President Zelenskyy and hear his perspectives on recent developments. I conveyed India’s consistent position on the need for an early and peaceful resolution of the conflict. India remains committed to making every possible contribution in this regard, as well as to further strengthening bilateral ties with Ukraine."
In recent weeks, President Trump has imposed a 50% tariff on Indian imports, citing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, which now accounts for over a third of India’s energy imports. This trade dispute, described as a “trade war” by some analysts, adds a layer of complexity to India’s diplomatic outreach, while New Delhi has maintained barely no impact of U.S. tariffs on Indian GDP. Zelenskyy’s call for India to limit Russian oil purchases aligns with U.S. pressures but MEA has so far publicly claimed that India decides its policies including foreign trade aligning with the interest of farmers and local traders.
