In a recent development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy engaged in a phone conversation to discuss the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, as well as potential avenues for peace. During the call, Zelenskyy provided an update on the latest developments in the region. Modi, in response, reaffirmed India's consistent stance that dialogue and diplomacy are the most viable paths toward a lasting resolution. He further emphasized India's willingness to provide all possible support for efforts aimed at restoring peace as quickly as possible.
The leaders also reviewed the current state of India-Ukraine relations and explored opportunities to enhance cooperation across various sectors of mutual interest, agreeing to maintain close contact.
This conversation occurred shortly before PM Modi's scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in China's Tianjin. A day prior to the call, Modi reiterated in an interview with a Japanese newspaper that India has maintained a "principled and humanitarian" stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, an approach he believes is appreciated by both Putin and Zelenskyy. He conveyed that both leaders have communicated with him to share their perspectives on the conflict, and he has consistently encouraged dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the situation.
India's position on the Russia-Ukraine war has been one of cautious balancing. While maintaining a strategic partnership with both the United States and Russia, India has refrained from publicly condemning Russia's actions, despite pressure from the West. India's approach emphasizes the cessation of violence and highlights the importance of dialogue. This stance has allowed India to maintain its position while also benefiting from the economic consequences of the war.
Since the beginning of the conflict, India has increased its purchases of discounted Russian oil. This has drawn criticism from some Western nations, with accusations that India is indirectly funding Russia's war efforts. Some, like former Trump administration official Peter Navarro, have gone so far as to call the conflict "Modi's war," arguing that India's oil purchases are fueling Russia's war machine. These accusations have sparked controversy and highlight the differing perspectives between Washington and New Delhi.
India, however, has defended its energy policy, asserting its right to secure affordable oil for its growing economy and 1.4 billion citizens. Indian officials have also pointed out that Western countries continue to engage in economic activity with Russia. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has affirmed the government's commitment to protecting India's domestic interests in the face of what it considers "unjustified and unreasonable" tariffs on Indian goods.
Despite the criticism, India has also provided humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. Moreover, India's neutral stance and good relations with both Russia and Ukraine have positioned it as a potential mediator in the conflict. PM Modi has expressed India's willingness to support meaningful efforts toward a peaceful resolution.
India's engagement with Russia has deep roots, dating back to Indo-Soviet relations and the 1971 Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation. During the Soviet era, the USSR was a major importer of Indian commodities, facilitated by the USSR's willingness to pay for exports in rupees. Some analysts suggest that India's balancing strategy is also influenced by China's growing regional influence, with both countries seeking economic benefits from Russia while avoiding joining a Western coalition against it.
