India Will Do Whatever It Takes To Stop War In Ukraine: PM Modi To Zelenskyy

Tokyo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held their first in-person meeting since Russia’s invasion began, on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Japan.

While Modi has refrained from condemning the invasion, he expressed India’s willingness to assist in ending the war, emphasizing the humanitarian aspect of the conflict. Zelenskyy invited Modi to join Ukraine’s peace efforts, seeking support for Ukraine’s vision for peace.

Zelenskyy’s presence at the G7 summit allows him to engage with member nations that already support Ukraine and urge them to continue providing military aid. Moreover, he aims to garner support for Ukraine’s cause from leaders of other attending nations who have not imposed sanctions on Russia or refrained from condemning the invasion, such as India. India’s longstanding ties with Russia, as a major purchaser of Russian weaponry and energy, provide opportunities for leveraging pressure on Putin or maintaining economic stability.

While India has sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine during the war, it has abstained from UN resolutions calling for Russia’s withdrawal and condemning the invasion. Analysts suggest that Zelenskyy’s intention at the G7 summit is to win support or understanding from leaders like Modi. Other nations attending the summit include Indonesia, Australia, Brazil, South Korea, and Vietnam.

Modi has been cautious in his stance, neither explicitly condemning Russia nor demanding its withdrawal from Ukrainian territory. He has engaged in multiple phone conversations with Zelenskyy, advocating for a cessation of hostilities and dialogue to resolve the conflict.

Zelenskyy’s peace plan, in contrast, emphasizes restoring Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders and the withdrawal of Russian troops. Western leaders criticize calls for a ceasefire without a complete Russian troop withdrawal, as they believe it would legitimize Russia’s territorial annexation.

Zelenskyy’s diplomatic efforts extend beyond the G7 summit, as he also attended the Arab League summit in Saudi Arabia to garner sympathy and raise awareness about the war in Ukraine. At the G7 summit, Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with leaders of member countries and participate in sessions on peace and stability involving invited nations.

Overall, Zelenskyy seeks international support for Ukraine’s peace initiatives, including from leaders like Modi, while understanding the complexities of their relationships with Russia.