On August 27, 2024, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a significant phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, following Modi’s recent diplomatic visits to Ukraine and Poland. The call focused on the ongoing Ukraine conflict and the strengthening of Indo-Russian relations.Modi shared insights from his August 23 visit to Kyiv, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. During the call with Putin, Modi reiterated India’s firm commitment to supporting ‘an early, abiding and peaceful resolution of the conflict’. This stance aligns with Modi’s previous statements during his Poland visit, where he emphasized that ‘no problem can be solved on the battlefield’.Putin, for his part, provided what the Kremlin described as a ‘principled assessment of the destructive line of the Kiev authorities and their Western patrons,’ outlining Russia’s key approaches to resolving the conflict. This exchange of perspectives highlights the complex diplomatic landscape surrounding the Ukraine situation.The leaders also discussed measures to further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia. They expressed satisfaction with cooperation within the BRICS framework, with Modi confirming his intention to participate in the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024.This conversation follows Modi’s recent communication with US President Joe Biden, who commended Modi’s ‘historic visits’ to Poland and Ukraine. Modi’s active engagement with multiple parties underscores India’s unique position in potentially mediating the conflict, given its maintained ties with both Russia and Western countries.
Key points
- Modi shared insights from his Ukraine visit with Putin, reiterating India’s commitment to a peaceful resolution.
- Putin criticized Ukrainian authorities and their Western allies, outlining Russia’s approach to the conflict.
- The leaders discussed strengthening Indo-Russian strategic partnership and cooperation within BRICS.
- Modi’s diplomatic efforts, including talks with both Putin and Biden, highlight India’s potential mediating role in the conflict.
