India Steps Into Ukraine Diplomacy As Zelensky Calls PM Modi To Deliver "Appropriate Signal" To Putin At SCO Summit

On the eve of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, pledging India’s “full support” for efforts to restore peace in war-torn Ukraine, NDTV reported.

The conversation, their second this month, came as Kyiv grapples with unrelenting Russian strikes.

Zelensky in his call acknowledged PM Modi’s role as an increasingly important intermediary in a conflict that has defied resolution.

“We exchanged views on the ongoing conflict, its humanitarian aspects, and efforts to restore peace and stability,” PM Modi posted on X.

“India extends full support to all efforts in this direction," he added.

For Ukraine, the outreach underscores New Delhi’s potential as a diplomatic bridge.

Zelensky praised Modi’s condolences for the victims of recent Russian attacks and emphasised India’s influence at the SCO gathering in China, where both President Xi Jinping of China and President Vladimir Putin of Russia are set to meet him.

“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,” Zelensky said, noting his country’s readiness to engage in direct talks with Moscow.

The SCO summit is significant for India amid strained ties with the US over Trump's unilateral 50 per cent tariffs on New Delhi, including 25 per cent levy for import of Russian crude oil.

PM Modi and Zelenskyy had earlier spoken on 11 August, during which had reaffirmed India's "steadfast and consistent" position for peaceful settlement of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and support for efforts aimed at earliest restoration of peace.

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