Russia-Ukraine balancing: Modi speaks to Putin, Zelenskyy

In a delicate balancing act, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the leaders of Russia and Ukraine within hours of each other and underlined New Delhi’s commitment to promoting peace and dialogue between the two warring countries. PM Modi spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on March 20 over the phone and assured him of continuing humanitarian support. He also assured him of strengthening the relations between India and Ukraine and promised support for bringing an early end to the ongoing conflict. The call took place ahead of a likely visit by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to India. “Had a good conversation with President @ZelenskyyUa on strengthening the India-Ukraine partnership. Conveyed India’s consistent support for all efforts for peace and bringing an early end to the ongoing conflict. India will continue to provide humanitarian assistance guided by our people-centric approach,” PM Modi wrote on X. The conversation with Mr Zelenskyy came soon after PM Modi’s telephonic talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In this conversation, he congratulated the Russian leader on his victory in the just-concluded Russian elections. PM also reiterated India’s consistent position in favour of dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward.