Zelenskyy Calls Modi Ahead Of SCO Summit, Days Before PM’s Meeting With Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, just two days before Modi's planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China. This marked the second such call between the two leaders regarding the Ukraine conflict, which began with Russia's invasion in February 2022.

"Thank President Zelenskyy for his phone call today. We exchanged views on the ongoing conflict, its humanitarian dimension, and the broader efforts to restore peace and stability. India fully supports all initiatives in this direction," Modi posted on social media after the discussion.

In his own post, Zelenskyy said he briefed Modi about his recent talks in Washington with US President Donald Trump and several European leaders. "It was a productive and important conversation, with a shared vision on achieving real peace. Ukraine reaffirmed readiness for talks with the Russian leadership," he noted. Zelenskyy had earlier spoken to Modi on August 11, shortly after Putin had reached out to the Indian leader.

Modi and Putin are expected to meet on Monday after the SCO Summit, with India previously playing a role in conveying messages between Kyiv and Moscow. Zelenskyy's outreach came as Trump administration officials in Washington criticised India for its continued energy imports from Russia. White House trade adviser Peter Navarro accused New Delhi of "profiteering" from discounted oil purchases, claiming they help finance Moscow's war.

An Indian government readout said Zelenskyy shared his assessment of recent developments, while Modi reiterated India's "steadfast and consistent position" favouring dialogue and peaceful resolution, along with support for the "earliest restoration of peace."

Zelenskyy stressed that a ceasefire must be the first step toward ending the war. He added that India could play a crucial role in sending the right signals to Moscow during the SCO Summit discussions. He further expressed gratitude for Modi's condolences over recent civilian casualties in Ukraine.

The two leaders also reviewed progress in bilateral ties, including future visits and the upcoming Joint Intergovernmental Commission meeting. Zelenskyy expressed optimism about realising untapped potential in the India-Ukraine partnership and conveyed his willingness to meet Modi in the near future.