Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a telephonic conversation on Monday, during which the leaders reviewed bilateral ties and discussed the evolving situation regarding the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The discussion took place just one day before scheduled trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi, which are set to involve representatives from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States.
During the call, President Zelenskyy briefed the Prime Minister on the latest developments in the region, particularly amid intensified Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. In response, Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s consistent position, emphasizing the country’s firm commitment to contributing toward a peaceful resolution of the hostilities. The Prime Minister noted that India remains ready to support efforts aimed at restoring peace, a sentiment he has expressed in previous international forums, including meetings on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France.
A key focus of the conversation was the urgency of establishing a ceasefire to mitigate the humanitarian and economic impact of the war. President Zelenskyy highlighted that the ongoing conflict has significantly disrupted global supply chains, specifically regarding the movement of grain. He urged India to take further diplomatic steps to facilitate a ceasefire, arguing that such a move is essential for ensuring global food and energy security. The Ukrainian President remarked that Russia must recognize the strain placed on the global economy and the millions of people worldwide suffering due to the blockade of sea routes.
India’s diplomatic involvement has become increasingly visible in recent months. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has been engaged in active discussions with international counterparts, including Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, as part of India’s push for diplomatic solutions. Reports indicate that India has been working to mediate the establishment of safe corridors in the Black Sea to allow for the export of essential commodities, a proposal that remains a point of contention with Moscow.
Following the call, Prime Minister Modi shared on social media platform X that the exchange was productive and provided him with valuable perspectives on the conflict and its humanitarian consequences. The Prime Minister reaffirmed that India is prepared to assist in establishing food corridors, should both parties demonstrate the necessary readiness to de-escalate. He also noted that he had recently conveyed a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasizing that it is time to prioritize the cessation of the "endless war."
The upcoming trilateral dialogue in Abu Dhabi is expected to serve as a platform where India’s recent peace proposals and mediation efforts may be evaluated. While Ukraine has indicated a willingness to adopt a constructive approach, they have maintained that Russia has not yet responded positively to initiatives aimed at protecting energy infrastructure or restoring shipping routes. President Zelenskyy stated that his administration is counting on India to continue its mediation efforts and engage with other global leaders to help bring the conflict to an end.
Looking ahead, both leaders have agreed that their respective teams will remain in close contact to address these ongoing bilateral and geopolitical challenges. As the global community monitors the situation in Abu Dhabi, India's role as a potential facilitator for food and energy stability remains a focal point of its diplomatic engagement in the region.
Comments