Amid US-India trade tensions, Zelenskyy dials PM Modi, urges limits on Russian energy exports

Amid the US-India trade tensions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, with the two leaders discussing the issue of Russian energy exports and matters relating to enhancing bilateral ties with Ukraine. The development comes three days after PM Modi spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the phone and discussed the latest developments in Ukraine.

Zelenskyy, in a post on X, said during his "long" conversation with Prime Minister Modi, the two leaders discussed in detail all important issues – both of bilateral cooperation between India and Ukraine, and the overall diplomatic situation. "I am grateful to the Prime Minister for his warm words of support for our people," he said.

Zelenskyy said he informed PM Modi about the Russian attacks on Ukraine's cities and villages, about the latest strike on the bus station in Zaporizhzhia, where dozens of people were reportedly injured in a Russian bombing of a regular urban facility. "And this is at a time when there is finally a diplomatic possibility to end the war. Instead of demonstrating readiness for a ceasefire, Russia is showing only its desire to continue the occupation and killings," said Zelenskyy.

He stressed the importance of India supporting Ukraine's peace efforts and sharing the position that everything concerning Ukraine must be decided with Ukraine’s participation. "Other formats will not deliver results."

The two leaders also discussed in detail the sanctions against Russia. "I noted that it is necessary to limit the export of Russian energy, particularly oil, to reduce its potential and ability to finance the continuation of this war. It is important that every leader who has tangible leverage over Russia sends the corresponding signals to Moscow," said Zelenskyy.

He said the two also agreed to plan a personal meeting in September during the UN General Assembly and to work on an exchange of visits.

The Prime Minister also took to X to say he was glad to speak with President Zelenskyy and hear his perspectives on recent developments. "I conveyed India’s consistent position on the need for an early and peaceful resolution of the conflict. India remains committed to making every possible contribution in this regard, as well as to further strengthening bilateral ties with Ukraine."

On August 8, PM Modi spoke with Putin over the phone, saying that they reviewed the progress in India-Russia's bilateral agenda, and reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. The government has also invited the Russian President to New Delhi for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, which will be held later this year. "I look forward to hosting President Putin in India later this year," the PM said.

On Thursday last week, Prime Minister Modi also received a telephone call from Brazilian President Lula da Silva. The two leaders agreed on a framework to strengthen cooperation in trade, technology, energy, defence, agriculture, health and people-to-people ties.

The Prime Minister's interactions with these three leaders come against the backdrop of the US imposing heavy duties on the exports from both India and Brazil. Even after imposing 50% tariffs on Indian exports, Trump has threatened that the duties on India could go higher in the coming days if it does not halt oil imports from Russia. In its stern response, the government has clearly said India's imports from Russia are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India.

Trump last week signed an executive order imposing additional 25% tariffs on India over the purchase of Russian oil, doubling the overall export levies to 50% and putting India among nations with the highest imposed tariffs so far, along with Brazil.