Modi discusses visit to Kyiv with Putin, urges swift resolution of conflict.
The Kremlin stated that Putin provided a "fundamental assessment of the destructive actions of the Kyiv authorities and their Western supporters, outlining key Russian strategies for resolving the conflict."
A day after speaking with U.S. President Joe Biden and briefing him on his visit to Ukraine, where he met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday. During this call, they "exchanged perspectives on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and [Modi’s] insights from the recent visit to Ukraine."
This conversation occurred four days after Modi told Zelenskyy in Kyiv that India is willing to help in any way possible to facilitate an early return to peace, signaling India's intent to mediate a peace deal between the conflicting parties.
Following the call, Modi posted on X, stating, "Spoke with President Putin today. Discussed measures to further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Exchanged perspectives on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and my insights from the recent visit to Ukraine. Reiterated India’s firm commitment to support an early, abiding, and peaceful resolution of the conflict."
A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) noted that Modi "recalled his successful visit to Russia last month to participate in the 22nd India-Russia Bilateral Summit," where he emphasized to Putin that "solutions can’t be found on the battlefield."
The PMO statement continued, "The two leaders exchanged views on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. PM shared insights from his recent visit to Ukraine. He underlined the importance of dialogue and diplomacy as well as sincere and practical engagement between all stakeholders to achieve an abiding and peaceful resolution of the conflict." They also reviewed progress on bilateral issues and discussed ways to strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia.
A Kremlin statement reported that "Narendra Modi informed about his recent visit to Kyiv, emphasising his interest in contributing to a possible political and diplomatic settlement of the situation around Ukraine."
During his visit to Kyiv on August 23, which marked a significant moment in India’s European diplomacy amid the Russia-Ukraine war, Modi met with Zelenskyy and encouraged him to engage in dialogue with Putin to "find a way out of the crisis." Zelenskyy, in turn, expressed his desire for India’s support and suggested that India could be a potential venue for a peace summit.
The Kremlin also noted that Modi and Putin discussed the "practical implementation of agreements in the trade and economic sphere reached following the July official visit of the Prime Minister of India to Russia." They expressed satisfaction with the level of interaction between the two countries in BRICS and agreed to maintain bilateral contacts at various levels.
A White House statement on Modi's call with Biden on Monday mentioned that they discussed "the Prime Minister’s recent trip to Poland and Ukraine, as well as the United Nations General Assembly meetings in September." President Biden praised Modi for his historic visits to Poland and Ukraine, commending his message of peace and humanitarian support for Ukraine. The leaders affirmed their support for a peaceful resolution of the conflict based on international law and the UN Charter, and they highlighted their commitment to collaborate, including through regional groups like the Quad, to promote peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.