- PM Modi spoke with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy about a peaceful resolution of Russia's war in Ukraine
- Mr Zelenskyy also urged Mr Modi to limit import of Russian oil, saying it was funding Moscow's war
- The US had imposed a 25% tariffs on India over Russian crude purchases, a move criticised by India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy Monday evening and conveyed India's 'consistent position on the need for an early and peaceful resolution' of Russia's war. On X Mr Modi also said 'India remains committed to making every possible contribution' to ensure that peace.
"Glad to speak with President Zelenskyy and hear his perspectives on recent developments..." the Prime Minister, who spoke to Russian leader Vladimir Putin 72 hours earlier, said, adding that India looks forward to strengthening bilateral ties with Ukraine.
Simultaneously, Mr Zelenskyy - who has led his country's diplomatic and military response since Russia's invasion in February 2022 - posted a detailed note on his conversation with Mr Modi.
But the standout point in his post was buried at the bottom.
Mr Zelenskyy said he pointed out to Prime Minister Modi the "necessity to limit the export of Russian energy, particularly oil, to reduce its potential and ability to finance the continuation of this war".
The reference was to the United States hitting India with a 25 per cent tariff over its purchase of discounted Russian crude. The US and the West has repeatedly criticised India on this point; US President Donald Trump has directly accused India, his 'good friend', of 'funding the war in Ukraine'.
This is in addition to an earlier 25 per cent tariff.
India responded strongly to the United States' strongarm tactics, pointing out the West continues to import (discounted) energy, both natural gas and oil, from Russia, but expects India to walk away.
READ | After Trump's "Unjustified" Tariffs, India Assures "Necessary Actions"
"It is therefore extremely unfortunate the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India... for actions that other countries are also taking in their own national interest," the government said.
On Russia's Attacks Of Urban Facilities
Meanwhile, Mr Zelenskyy said he also told Mr Modi about Russia attacking urban facilities, including the Sunday attack on a bus station in Zaporizhzhia that injured dozens of people.
The bus station in Zaporizhzhia. Photo: Ukraine Army
"And this is at a time when there is finally a diplomatic possibility (i.e., the Alaska 'peace' talks scheduled for Friday) to end the war. (But) instead of demonstrating readiness for a ceasefire, Russia is showing only its desire to continue the occupation and killings," he told the Prime MInister.
The Alaska 'Peace' Talks
The choice of venue for those talks - Moscow sold Alaska to Washington in 1867 - is as significant as Kyiv's exclusion. Twenty-four hours later the White House said it was 'considering inviting' Kyiv.
Ukraine had also not been invited to 'peace' talks in Saudi Arabia in February.
READ | "Decisions Taken Without Ukraine..." Zelenskyy On Trump-Putin Meet
The Ukraine leader therefore appealed to India to ensure that decisions taken at such talks are not imposed on his country. "It is important India supports our peace efforts and shares the position... that everything concerning Ukraine must be decided with our participation..."
India has endorsed the Alaska Trump-Putin meeting.
Last week the External Affairs Ministry said the meeting "holds the promise of bringing to an end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and opening up the prospects for peace".
NDTV is now available on WhatsApp channels. Click on the link to get all the latest updates from NDTV on your chat.
