Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has refused to play a mediating role in ending Russia’s war against Ukraine, but New Delhi has agreed to relay messages between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian leader Vladimir Putin. About this informs Bloomberg.
Indian officials are calling for dialogue and diplomacy to end the war launched by Russia in February 2022. Modi’s visit to Ukraine comes weeks after his visit to Russia, which has raised concerns in Washington.
US President Joe Biden’s administration has made closer ties with India a key element of its foreign policy. US officials raised concerns about Modi’s visit to Russia during a series of meetings and phone calls with their Indian counterparts in July.
Modi’s refusal to mediate is partly due to India’s dependence on cheap oil and arms supplies from Russia. New Delhi has refrained from criticizing Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine, now in its third year, and has increased purchases of Russian oil to record levels.
It is important for Zelensky to meet with Modi to discuss India’s role in restoring peace in the region, said a source familiar with the matter.
India plays a central role in Zelenskyi’s efforts to win over key countries of the Global South, which have failed this year. At the June summit in Switzerland, India was among the countries that did not sign the final statement, a blow to Ukraine’s aspirations to expand international support in the war against Russia.
The meeting with Modi is not expected to lead to any major announcements, although several deals, including in agriculture and defense, are in the pipeline.
Before going to Ukraine, Modi will also visit Poland, which will be the first visit of an Indian leader to this country in the last four decades.
