PM Modi speaks to Zelenskyy over call before meeting with Putin in China

PM Modi with Zelenskyy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday, held a phone call with the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This comes ahead of PM Modi's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Thank President Zelenskyy for his phone call today. We exchanged views on the ongoing conflict, its humanitarian aspect, and efforts to restore peace and stability. India extends full support to all efforts in this direction," PM Modi tweeted.

"President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared his perspective on the recent developments related to Ukraine. Prime Minister thanked President Zelenskyy and reaffirmed India’s steadfast and consistent position for the peaceful settlement of the conflict and support for efforts aimed at the earliest restoration of peace. PM reiterated India’s commitment to extend all possible support in this regard," PMO said, according to news agency ANI.

"I spoke with Prime Minister of India @NarendraModi. I informed about the talks with President Trump in Washington with the participation of European leaders. It was a productive and important conversation, a shared vision among partners on how to achieve real peace. Ukraine reaffirmed its readiness for a meeting with the head of Russia," Zelenskyy wrote on X.

"Almost two weeks have passed, and during this time, when Russia should have been preparing for diplomacy, Moscow has given no positive signal – only carried out cynical strikes on civilian targets and killed dozens of our people. I thank the Prime Minister for his words of condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims," he added.

"We coordinated our positions ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. 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. Thank you. We also discussed our bilateral relations, preparations for exchange of visits, and the holding of a meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission. There is potential we can realize. I will be glad to meet the Prime Minister in the near future," Zelenskyy's X post read.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday landed in China, thus marking his first visit to the country after seven years. The visit comes at a crucial time as both nations look to strengthen ties amid global trade tensions sparked by US President Donald Trump’s policies on tariff. PM Modi will be attending the SCO Summit in China.

Apart from the Chinese President, PM Modi is also expected to hold bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and a number of other leaders on the margins of the summit.