Narendra Modi speaks with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, reaffirms support for peace

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and reaffirmed India’s consistent position for a peaceful settlement to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

"India supports all efforts aimed at the earliest restoration of peace," Modi told Zelenskyy. The telephone conversation between the two leaders comes just four days ahead of the planned Alaska summit between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.

Modi and Zelenskyy reviewed progress in the bilateral partnership and discussed ways to further enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said.

Zelenskyy shared his views on the recent developments related to Ukraine, the statement said.

Modi reaffirmed India’s steadfast and consistent position for a peaceful settlement of the conflict and support for efforts aimed at the earliest restoration of peace. The PM reiterated India’s commitment to extend all possible support in this regard.

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy also put out a statement on X about his phone call with PM Modi. “I am grateful to the PM for his warm words of support for our people,” he said.

Zelenskyy said though finally there was a diplomatic possibility to end the war, Russia, instead of demonstrating readiness for a ceasefire, was showing its desire to continue 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,” Zelenskyy said.

Zelenskyy said, “We agreed to plan a personal meeting in September during the UN General Assembly (session) and to work on an exchange of visits.”

The phone call came three days after Putin had called PM Modi, among other global leaders. Putin had called to convey the outcome of talks he had had with Trump’s envoy, Steven Witkoff, in Moscow.