Modi reaffirms India’s support for Ukraine peace settlement during call with Zelensky
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A 2024 photo shows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meeting at the UN.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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- Modi reaffirmed support for a peaceful Ukraine settlement during a call with Zelensky, according to Modi's office.
- Zelensky said Modi supports Ukraine's ceasefire call and hopes it's heard at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.
- Modi's office noted discussions on bilateral partnerships and peace efforts but didn't mention a ceasefire call.
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NEW DELHI - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed his support on Aug 30 for a peaceful settlement in Ukraine during a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Mr Modi's office said.
Mr Zelensky, speaking in his nightly video address, said Mr Modi supported Ukraine’s call for a ceasefire in the war with Russia and hoped that notion would be heard at the forthcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in China.
Mr Modi’s office, in a statement, said Mr Zelensky shared the Indian prime minister’s perspective on recent developments related to Ukraine, while Mr Modi stressed India’s support for efforts aimed at the earliest restoration of peace.
“The leaders also reviewed progress in the India-Ukraine bilateral partnership and discussed ways to further enhance cooperation in all areas of mutual interest,” it said.
Mr Modi is due to attend the SCO summit, which opens on Aug 31
“I have just spoken with Indian Prime Minister Modi about precisely what is going on. Russia is continuing the war, continuing to kill,” Mr Zelensky said.
“It is important that the prime minister of India supports the idea that a ceasefire is needed and would be a clear signal that Russia is ready for diplomacy. We are counting on this being heard at the meeting in China.”
The statement from Mr Modi’s office made no mention of a call for a ceasefire.
Ukraine, backed by European countries, has long called for a ceasefire in hostilities as an important initial step to resolving the conflict.
US President Donald Trump initially urged Russia to agree to a ceasefire, but since his talks this month
Speaking earlier on Aug 30 after overnight attacks on southeastern Ukraine, Mr Zelensky said Moscow had used preparation time for a meeting of leaders of both countries to launch new attacks on his country.
On Aug 29, Mr Zelensky brought up Mr Trump's deadline for deciding on new measures against Russia if Mr Putin fails to commit to a one-on-one meeting with the Ukrainian leader. REUTERS
