PM Modi speaks to Zelenskyy, offers support for Ukraine's peace efforts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and reiterated India's willingness to contribute to efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

During the telephone conversation, the two leaders discussed recent developments in the conflict and explored opportunities to strengthen bilateral relations between India and Ukraine.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Zelenskyy shared his perspective on the latest developments concerning the war, while Modi reaffirmed New Delhi's longstanding position that dialogue and diplomacy remained essential to resolving the crisis.

The Prime Minister also emphasised India's human-centric approach to the conflict, underscoring the importance of pursuing a negotiated settlement.

Modi conveyed India's readiness to contribute to all efforts directed towards achieving a peaceful resolution, reiterating New Delhi's support for diplomatic initiatives aimed at ending hostilities.

𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝

The latest conversation came amid continuing international diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

India has consistently advocated dialogue and diplomacy as the preferred means of resolving the crisis while maintaining diplomatic engagement with both Moscow and Kyiv.

New Delhi has also emphasised the humanitarian consequences of the prolonged conflict, including the loss of civilian lives, destruction of infrastructure and disruption of economic activity.

Modi's latest remarks reflected this established position, with the Prime Minister reiterating that India was prepared to support efforts aimed at bringing the conflict to an end.

The PMO statement, however, did not announce any specific new mediation initiative or provide details of a peace proposal discussed during the conversation.

𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝

Apart from the conflict, Modi and Zelenskyy discussed measures to further strengthen cooperation between India and Ukraine across various sectors.

The two leaders explored opportunities to expand bilateral engagement for the mutual benefit of their countries, reflecting their continued interest in maintaining relations despite the ongoing war.

India and Ukraine have traditionally maintained cooperation in areas including trade, education, agriculture and technology. The conflict has complicated several aspects of their engagement, making diplomatic exchanges important for sustaining bilateral ties.

The latest telephone conversation followed a series of diplomatic engagements between Indian and Ukrainian officials aimed at strengthening relations and discussing possible approaches to ending the war.

In September, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Kyiv and held talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha before meeting President Zelenskyy.

During that visit, Jaishankar reiterated India's willingness to assist in efforts to end the conflict, emphasising that a lasting settlement would require diplomatic engagement.

He also highlighted the humanitarian consequences of the war and the need to find a solution that could prevent further deaths and destruction.

𝐃𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞

India's approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict has involved maintaining communication with both sides while supporting international efforts towards a negotiated settlement.

The government has repeatedly stressed that military confrontation cannot provide a sustainable solution and that diplomatic engagement remains necessary to restore peace.

The prolonged conflict has also affected global energy markets, food security and international supply chains, adding to the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution.

Monday's conversation reinforced India's position that efforts to end the war must remain focused on dialogue and diplomacy, even as fighting and diplomatic disagreements continue.

By reiterating New Delhi's readiness to contribute to peace initiatives, Modi signalled India's willingness to remain engaged in international efforts to resolve the conflict.

The discussion also highlighted the importance both countries attach to strengthening bilateral relations while pursuing a diplomatic path towards ending the war.