India, Ukraine Discuss Peace Efforts, Plan Modi–Zelenskyy Meeting at UNGA in September

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held an extended phone conversation on Monday, reviewing bilateral cooperation and exchanging views on the ongoing war in Ukraine, according to an official release from the Press Information Bureau (PIB).

The call, described by Zelenskyy as a “lengthy conversation,” touched on recent developments in the conflict, with the Ukrainian leader briefing PM Modi on Russian military strikes, including the shelling of a bus station in Zaporizhzhia a day earlier that left dozens injured. 

Image Source: Depin Bhatt on X

“A deliberate strike by Russian bombs on ordinary urban buildings,” Zelenskyy said on social media, calling it further evidence that Moscow seeks to prolong “occupation and killings” despite emerging diplomatic openings.

PIB’s statement said President Zelenskyy “shared his views on the recent developments related to Ukraine” and that PM Modi “reaffirmed India’s steadfast and consistent position for peaceful settlement of the conflict” while offering “all possible support” to achieve the earliest restoration of peace. 

Both leaders also reviewed progress in the India–Ukraine partnership and discussed ways to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Zelenskyy underlined the importance of India’s backing for Kyiv’s peace agenda, stressing that “everything concerning Ukraine must be decided with Ukraine’s participation” and that alternative formats “will not yield results.” 

He also urged restrictions on Russian energy exports, particularly oil, as a means to limit Moscow’s war-fighting capacity.

The two leaders agreed to meet in person in September on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York and to work towards an exchange of visits thereafter.

Confirming the conversation on X, PM Modi wrote: “Glad to speak with President Zelenskyy and hear his perspectives on recent developments. I conveyed India’s consistent position on the need for an early and peaceful resolution of the conflict. India remains committed to making every possible contribution in this regard, as well as to further strengthening bilateral ties with Ukraine.”

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