New Delhi, August 30, 2025
– In a significant diplomatic move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a crucial phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday, reaffirming India’s unwavering commitment to supporting a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The call, which took place just a day before PM Modi’s scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, underscores India’s delicate balancing act on the global stage amid escalating geopolitical tensions.
A Call for Peace and Stability
During the conversation, PM Modi emphasized India’s consistent stance on fostering peace and stability in Ukraine. In a post on X, he stated, “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 Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) further elaborated that the leaders reviewed progress in the India-Ukraine bilateral partnership and explored avenues to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Zelenskyy, in his remarks, shared insights from his recent discussions with US President Donald Trump in Washington, which included European leaders. He expressed Ukraine’s readiness for a potential meeting with Russian leadership but lamented Russia’s lack of positive signals for diplomacy. “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,” Zelenskyy wrote on X. He thanked Modi for his condolences to the families affected by recent Russian attacks and highlighted the need for an immediate ceasefire to pave the way for meaningful peace talks.
Strategic Timing Amid SCO Summit
The timing of the call is particularly noteworthy, as it precedes PM Modi’s anticipated bilateral meeting with President Putin on the sidelines of the SCO summit, scheduled from August 31 to September 1, 2025. The summit, hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin, brings together leaders from India, Russia, China, and other member states to discuss regional security and economic cooperation. The Modi-Putin meeting is expected to address not only the Ukraine conflict but also the strengthening of the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, which includes cooperation in defense, energy, and trade.
This diplomatic engagement comes at a time when India faces increasing scrutiny from the United States over its continued oil trade with Russia. The Trump administration recently imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, accusing New Delhi of “funding the war” by purchasing Russian oil. India has strongly criticized these tariffs as “unjustified and unreasonable,” highlighting the strain in India-US relations. The tariffs add complexity to India’s neutral stance, as it navigates its economic ties with Russia while advocating for peace in Ukraine.
India’s Balancing Act in Global Diplomacy
India has consistently maintained a balanced approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy while refraining from condemning Russia outright. This stance has drawn criticism from Western nations, particularly after PM Modi’s visit to Moscow in July 2024 coincided with a Russian missile strike on a children’s hospital in Kyiv. However, India’s engagement with both sides reflects its strategic interest in maintaining strong ties with Russia, a key supplier of defense equipment and crude oil, while also fostering relations with Ukraine.
During his historic visit to Kyiv in August 2024, PM Modi met Zelenskyy and reiterated India’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He emphasized that “problems cannot be resolved on the battlefield” and offered India’s proactive contribution to peace efforts. The visit, the first by an Indian leader to Ukraine since its independence in 1991, resulted in four agreements on cooperation in agriculture, medicine, culture, and humanitarian assistance. Modi also presented four BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri) Cubes to Ukraine, containing essential medical supplies for emergency care.
Zelenskyy, while appreciative of India’s support, has urged New Delhi to take a stronger stance against Russia. During their August 11, 2025, conversation, he stressed the need to limit Russian energy exports, particularly oil, to curb Moscow’s ability to finance the war. He also emphasized that any peace process must involve Ukraine directly, stating, “Everything concerning Ukraine must be decided with Ukraine’s participation. Other formats will not deliver results.”
Global Context and India’s Role
The Modi-Zelenskyy call follows a series of high-level diplomatic engagements. On August 15, 2025, Presidents Trump and Putin met in Alaska to discuss a potential ceasefire, a meeting India welcomed as holding “the promise of bringing an end to the ongoing conflict.” However, Zelenskyy noted that Russia’s continued attacks on civilian targets indicate a lack of commitment to diplomacy. The upcoming SCO summit provides a platform for Modi to further engage with both Putin and Xi Jinping, potentially shaping the discourse on global stability amid US-led trade tensions.
India’s role as a mediator is further highlighted by its economic ties with Russia, which supplies about 36% of India’s crude oil imports. Despite US sanctions, India has defended its trade relations, arguing that affordable energy is critical for its economy. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently called for dialogue to resolve the conflict, stating that India “shouldn’t be unfairly targeted” for its energy choices.
Looking Ahead
The Modi-Zelenskyy conversation sets the stage for India’s continued diplomatic efforts at the SCO summit and beyond. Zelenskyy has hinted at a potential visit to India, with discussions underway for a meeting with Modi on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York in September 2025. As global markets face volatility due to Trump’s tariff policies, India’s engagement with China, Russia, and Ukraine underscores its ambition to play a pivotal role in fostering a multipolar world order.
In conclusion, PM Modi’s dialogue with Zelenskyy reflects India’s commitment to peace and stability while navigating complex international relations. As Modi prepares to meet Putin in China, India’s diplomatic tightrope walk will be closely watched, with implications for global peace efforts and regional )