Prime Minister Modi speaks with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and Russian President Putin
In a significant diplomatic outreach, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday (March 20, 2024) and conveyed India’s consistent support for all efforts to bring an early end to the ongoing conflict.
 
President Zelenskyy, on the other hand, thanked India for its support to Ukraine and highlighted the need for India to participate in the inaugural Peace Summit.
 
This conversation comes at a critical juncture, closely following Prime Minister Modi's conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 18, 2024, reflecting India's active diplomatic role against the backdrop of Putin's recent re-election and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
 
The Modi-Zelenskyy interaction focused on potential avenues to aid the India-Ukraine partnership across various spheres. Both leaders deliberated on the current geopolitical landscape, particularly the persisting tensions in Eastern Europe. Prime Minister Modi, emphasizing a people-centric approach, reiterated India’s stance advocating for dialogue and diplomacy as the primary means to navigate through the crisis. He assured that India remains committed to supporting efforts towards an early and peaceful resolution of the issues at hand.
 
“Had a good conversation with President b@zelenskyyUa on strengthening the India-Ukraine partnership. Conveyed India’s consistent support for all efforts for peace and bringing an early end to the ongoing conflict. India will continue to provide humanitarian assistance guided by our people-centric approach,” Prime Minister Modi wrote on social media platform X.
 
President Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for India’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. At the same time, he said that it was important to see India attend the inaugural Peace Summit, for which preparations are on in Switzerland.
 
“I spoke with Prime Minister @NarendraModi to express gratitude for India's support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, humanitarian aid, and active participation in Peace Formula meetings. It will be important for us to see India attend the inaugural Peace Summit, which is currently being prepared in Switzerland,” he posted on X.
 
According to President Zelenskyy, the two leaders discussed “the development of our bilateral relations, which should include a meeting of our teams and a session of the intergovernmental commission on cooperation in New Delhi in the nearest future”.
 
“Ukraine is interested in strengthening our trade and economic ties with India, particularly in agricultural exports, aviation cooperation, and pharmaceutical and industrial product trade. Ukraine also wishes to welcome Indian students back to Ukrainian educational institutions,” he added.
 
India’s Push for Diplomacy and Peace in Ukraine
 
This diplomatic interaction is set against Prime Minister Modi's earlier engagement with President Putin, where both leaders pledged to deepen the India-Russia 'Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership'. His conversation with President Zelenskyy thus illustrates India's nuanced position, striving to maintain balanced relations with both conflicting parties while pushing for peace and diplomacy.
 
Remarkably, this telephonic conversation marks another step in the evolving dynamics between India and Ukraine, following Prime Minister Modi's face-to-face meeting with President Zelenskyy at the G7 summit in Hiroshima. During that encounter, President Zelenskyy briefed Prime Minister Modi on Ukraine's peace formula, inviting India to support its implementation.
 
Both President Zelenskyy and President Putin have extended invitations to Prime Minister Modi for visits post-India's Lok Sabha elections, signalling an eagerness from both sides to engage India in their diplomatic narratives. Prime Minister Modi's last visit to Russia in 2018 aligned with the historical depth of India-Russia relations, while his engagements with Ukraine reflect a growing partnership amidst global uncertainties.
 
India’s diplomatic endeavours, as illustrated by Prime Minister Modi's engagements, reflect a commitment to fostering global peace and stability. By advocating for dialogue and diplomacy, he positions India as a potential peacemaker in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This approach is aligned with India's broader foreign policy ethos, emphasizing peaceful coexistence and constructive engagement.
 
As tensions persist, the international community closely watches India's diplomatic manoeuvres. The Modi government's ability to navigate these complex relationships will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the geopolitical landscape. With stakes high and the world order in flux, India’s voice emerges as a prime one, calling for peace and diplomacy in turbulent times.