Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s backing for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict during a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Saturday, August 30, 2025.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy via telephone on Saturday, August 30, 2025, reaffirming India’s support for an early peaceful settlement to the Ukraine-Russia conflict while discussing ways to strengthen bilateral ties, amid Zelenskiy’s emphasis on the need for an immediate ceasefire.
Why It Matters
This development underscores India’s delicate balancing act in global diplomacy, maintaining strong ties with Russia while engaging with Ukraine—a stance with implications for South Asia, where nations like Pakistan monitor shifts in energy supplies and geopolitical alliances influenced by the ongoing war.
Details of the Conversation
During the call, Modi expressed India’s consistent position in favour of a peaceful resolution. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the leaders reviewed progress in the India-Ukraine bilateral partnership and explored avenues to enhance cooperation across mutual interests. Modi specifically highlighted India’s support for efforts aimed at the earliest restoration of peace.
Zelenskiy, in his account, shared details of recent discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders, noting a shared vision for achieving real peace. He informed Modi about Russia’s lack of positive signals toward diplomacy over the past two weeks, including continued strikes on civilian targets that have resulted in dozens of deaths. Zelenskiy thanked Modi for the condolences extended to the victims’ families.
Emphasis on Ceasefire and SCO Summit
A key point raised by Zelenskiy was the necessity of an immediate ceasefire to pave the way for diplomacy. According to President Zelenskiy on X, “The end of this war must begin with an immediate ceasefire, with the necessary silence. This position is understood and supported by everyone. It is impossible to speak meaningfully about peace while our cities and communities are under constant fire.
India is ready to make the necessary efforts and to deliver the appropriate signal to Russia and other leaders during the meetings on the sidelines of the summit.” He expressed hope that India’s voice would be heard at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, commencing on Sunday, August 31, 2025, where Modi is set to attend.
However, the Indian readout of the conversation did not explicitly reference a ceasefire, focusing instead on broader peace efforts. This subtle difference highlights varying emphases in the two sides’ public statements, with Ukraine pushing for urgent de-escalation amid ongoing Russian aggression.
The leaders also coordinated positions ahead of the SCO gathering and discussed preparations for high-level exchanges, including potential visits and a meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission to tap into untapped bilateral potential.
Bilateral Ties in Focus
India and Ukraine have been building on their partnership, with trade volumes reaching approximately $3.3 billion in recent years, primarily in sectors like pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and defence technology. The call builds on prior engagements, reinforcing commitments to uphold international law and territorial integrity.
Modi’s reaffirmation comes against the backdrop of India’s humanitarian aid to Ukraine, which has included over 20 shipments of medical supplies and equipment since the conflict began in 2022. This support aligns with India’s advocacy for dialogue and diplomacy in international forums.
Background
The phone call follows Modi’s historic visit to Kyiv on Friday, August 23, 2024—the first by an Indian prime minister since Ukraine’s independence in 1991. During that meeting, Modi and Zelenskiy signed agreements on community development, cultural exchange, and pharmaceutical standards, while reiterating a joint commitment to peaceful resolution based on international law.
India’s position has remained neutral, abstaining from several United Nations votes condemning Russia’s actions, while maintaining robust economic ties with Moscow, including oil imports exceeding 1.5 million barrels per day in 2024.
This neutrality reflects India’s strategic interests, including defence procurements from Russia worth over $10 billion annually and participation in multilateral groups like the SCO and BRICS. For South Asia, the conflict has ripple effects, such as elevated global energy prices impacting economies in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
What’s Next
As Modi attends the SCO summit, observers will watch for any signals on Ukraine’s peace process, potentially influencing future diplomatic engagements. The reaffirmation of Modi reaffirms Ukraine support could pave the way for enhanced India-Ukraine collaboration, including a possible Zelenskiy visit to New Delhi in the coming months.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, August 31st, 2025
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