PM Modi, Zelenskyy discuss Russian Oil Issue, Plan September Meeting

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a detailed phone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing attention on India’s continued imports of Russian oil amidst the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. During the call, President Zelenskyy stressed the urgent need to curtail Russia’s energy exports, especially oil, which he claimed is fuelling the war in Ukraine and enabling continued attacks against Ukrainian cities and civilians. He urged Prime Minister Modi to use India’s influence with Moscow to help limit the export of Russian energy and send a strong diplomatic signal.

Zelenskyy also briefed PM Modi about recent Russian strikes in Ukraine, specifically referring to a deliberate bombing at a bus station in Zaporizhzhia that left several people injured. He noted that while there are fresh diplomatic openings for peace, Russia is showing unwillingness to agree to any ceasefire and is instead persisting with its military operations. In this context, Zelenskyy underlined the importance of international solidarity and said India’s support is essential for peace efforts, highlighting that decisions about Ukraine must involve Kyiv and cannot be settled through external formats alone.

On his part, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s consistent position in favour of an early and peaceful resolution of the conflict. He conveyed India’s willingness to provide every possible help towards restoration of peace and to strengthen relations with Ukraine. The Government of India has maintained that its energy purchases serve the country’s national interests and economic needs, especially when affordable Russian oil helps manage inflation for Indian consumers. India reiterated its independent approach and rebuffed criticism from the West, arguing that several other countries also continue trading with Russia and that New Delhi’s actions are fair and reasonable.

The discussion between the two leaders also comes at a time when India faces additional pressure, particularly after US President Donald Trump raised tariffs sharply on Indian imports in retaliation for continued Russian oil purchases. Trump’s administration has accused New Delhi of supporting Russia, despite sanctions put in place by the West after the Ukraine invasion. The Indian government has responded strongly, rejecting the tariffs as unfair and asserting that it will take all steps necessary to protect its economic security and sovereign interests.

Both President Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Modi have agreed to meet in person on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in September. They have also discussed plans for deeper bilateral cooperation and an exchange of visits in the future, signalling an ongoing willingness to engage on both diplomatic and economic fronts. The upcoming meeting is expected to be closely watched by international observers, as the issue of Russian oil trade and the Ukraine crisis remain central to global diplomacy and economic stability.

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