PM Modi speaks to Zelenskyy, reiterates India's readiness to help end Ukraine war

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and reiterated India's readiness to contribute to efforts aimed at ending the war with Russia through dialogue and diplomacy.

The two leaders discussed the ongoing conflict, recent diplomatic developments and ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

In a post on X, Zelenskyy said he had briefed PM Modi on the latest developments and preparations for an upcoming meeting in Abu Dhabi.

“We are actively preparing on every item on the agenda for the meeting in Abu Dhabi. Ukraine has always taken a constructive approach, and Russia must show the same readiness to de-escalate,” he said.

Zelenskyy also referred to PM Modi's repeated calls for an end to the conflict, including during his conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“The Prime Minister has said more than once, including directly to the Russian leader, that now is the time to end the war, not to continue it,” he said.

The Ukrainian President said the two leaders also discussed India's possible role in facilitating food corridors to restore grain exports through the Black Sea.

“India is ready to mediate in establishing food corridors, and we are counting on these efforts to continue,” Zelenskyy said.

He added that both countries had agreed to keep their teams in touch on the issue and other bilateral matters.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, the leaders also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation across various sectors.

PM Modi described the conversation as productive and said both sides had agreed to further strengthen bilateral ties.

In August, Zelenskyy had expressed hope that India would contribute to ending the war. Russian President Vladimir Putin also acknowledged India's efforts in October, saying the Indian Prime Minister had “very good ideas” on resolving the conflict.