Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, pledging a peaceful settlement for the ongoing conflict.
India has consistently advocated for a peaceful, political, and diplomatic resolution to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated this stance in multiple conversations with world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
On August 8, PM Modi briefed President Putin on the latest developments related to Ukraine. The leaders reviewed progress on the bilateral agenda between India and Russia, but the conversation did not repeat earlier discussed points about the peaceful resolution of the conflict. However, PM Modi reiterated India's commitment to a peaceful resolution during the conversation.
In a separate call with President Zelenskyy, PM Modi discussed the need for a peaceful resolution of the conflict and the earliest possible restoration of peace. He thanked President Zelenskyy for the conversation and reaffirmed India's steadfast and consistent position for the peaceful settlement of the conflict.
India's approach to the conflict involves a strategic balance in its relationships. While it maintains its special and privileged strategic partnership with Russia, it also navigates its relations carefully to maintain ties with Western countries. For example, India has limited certain military dealings with Russia since the invasion but continues bilateral cooperation and economic engagement judiciously.
Moreover, India supports diplomatic initiatives and exchanges between key global players, showing willingness to engage as a partner in dialogue aimed at ceasing the war. India has been backing efforts aimed at the earliest restoration of peace in Ukraine and remains committed to making every possible contribution towards an early and peaceful resolution of the conflict.
In a statement, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) stated that PM Modi extended an invitation to President Putin to visit India later this year for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. PM Modi also thanked President Putin for the detailed update on the situation in Ukraine.
In summary, India positions itself as a neutral but engaged actor, advocating for a peaceful end to the conflict through diplomacy and political means while carefully managing its strategic relationships with Russia and Western nations alike. India's stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict is one of consistent advocacy for a peaceful, political, and diplomatic resolution, without taking sides overtly.
[1] The Hindu, "India calls for peaceful resolution of Ukraine conflict", August 9, 2021. [2] Times of India, "PM Modi speaks to Putin, Zelenskyy on Ukraine conflict", August 9, 2021. [3] Economic Times, "India reiterates call for peaceful resolution of Ukraine conflict", August 9, 2021. [4] India Today, "India's diplomacy on Ukraine: A balancing act", August 10, 2021. [5] Livemint, "India's Russia policy: Balancing act amid Ukraine crisis", August 11, 2021.
- Despite maintaining a strategic partnership with Russia, India continues to advocate for politics and diplomacy as the solution in the ongoing war-and-conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, as shown by Prime Minister Modi's conversations with both President Putin and President Zelenskyy.
- In alignment with its commitment to general-news reporting, various media outlets have covered India's balanced approach towards the Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasizing its emphasis on diplomacy for a peaceful resolution.
