Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during which he reiterated India’s call for peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Modi posted about the discussion on social media, underlining the importance of finding a resolution to restore stability. He expressed that he was glad to speak with President Zelenskyy and hear his views on the recent developments. Modi relayed India’s consistent position on the need for an early and peaceful resolution of the conflict. India is committed to making every possible contribution to this effort, as well as to enhancing its bilateral ties with Ukraine. This conversation occurred at a time of heightened trade tensions between India and the US, and amid claims that India’s oil purchases from Russia are supporting Russia’s actions against Ukraine. The Ministry of External Affairs responded by detailing how the US has been unfairly targeting India for its oil purchases, noting similar practices by other nations. The official reply also revealed that the United States imports certain metals from Russia. Before the discussion with Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Modi had been in direct communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Following his conversation with President Lula, Modi highlighted the importance of deepening strategic partnerships across sectors like trade, energy, technology, defense, and health.
