(Those who tried to sum up PM Modi's Ukraine visit as a wasteful or at best a balancing act after Namo's Russia visit in July may have to gear up for surprises as much more sincere efforts are on.)
Moditva in action on Global Peace Mission
Now, PM Narendra Modi urges early resolution of Ukraine conflict in call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Global strategic experts including those in Washington and Ukraine capital Kyiv believe - as a key defence and economic partner of Moscow, New Delhi under Modi has a unique position to influence Putin's decision.
Hence, the perceived peace efforts from Modi at this juncture is not merely symbolic.
Modi said he spoke to Putin by phone and discussed ways to strengthen the partnership between their two countries.
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"Reiterated India’s firm commitment to support an early, abiding and peaceful resolution of the conflict," Modi said in a post on X, describing the conversation.
Despite pressure from the US and other western countries to distance itself from Russia, India has maintained its ties with Moscow, which has been an important supplier of weapons to India since the days of the Soviet Union.
India has also stepped up purchases of Russian oil, a move criticised by US nd especially Ukraine President Zelensky, who accused India of supporting Russia’s “war economy”.
The Modi government has so far refrained from publicly censuring Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and has largely abstained from Ukraine-related resolutions at the United Nations.
The Kremlin’s statement said the two leaders also discussed practical steps to implement trade and economic agreements finalised during Modi’s recent visit to Russia. They expressed satisfaction with the way the two countries have been working together within Brics and Modi reaffirmed his readiness to take part in Brics Summit to be hosted by Russia at Kazan in October.
Importantly, a statement from Moscow said Putin “shared his principled assessment of the destructive policies of the Kiev authorities and their Western patrons”, and highlighted Russia’s “approaches to resolving this conflict”.
The statement, however, did not give any further details of the approaches Putin had referred to.
The Kremlin’s statement said Modi stressed his commitment to “bringing about a settlement for Ukraine by political and diplomatic means”.
The series of phone calls including between Modi and US President Joe Biden just a day before Putin-Modi tele chat do suggest about India playing an enhanced role in bringing the two warring countries at least to agree for ending the conflict.
But Ukraine’s recent offensive into Russia’s Kursk region had hardened Moscow’s position.
Modi shared "insights" from his visit to Ukraine with Putin and "underlined the importance of dialogue and diplomacy as well as sincere and practical engagement between all stakeholders" to find peace, the Indian foreign ministry said in a statement.
Modi's Ukraine visit followed his trip to Russia in July, during which he embraced Putin on the same day that a deadly Russian missile strike hit a children's hospital.
That visit angered Ukraine and the U.S. State Department said it had raised concerns with India about ties with Russia.
In recent years, Washington has looked to woo New Delhi as a way to counter China's growing regional influence.
Zelenskiy has said he told Modi he would support India hosting a second peace summit after one held in Switzerland as Kyiv hopes to find a host among countries in the global south.
Read out from White House
on President Joseph R. Biden's tele talk with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India to discuss the Prime Minister’s recent trip to Poland and Ukraine.
Biden "commended" the Prime Minister for his historic visits to Poland and Ukraine, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in decades, and for his message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine, including its energy sector.
The Leaders affirmed their continued support for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in accordance with international law, on the basis of the UN Charter.
The Leaders also emphasized their continued commitment to work together, including through regional groups like the Quad, to contribute to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
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