India supports ‘meaningful efforts’ to end Russia-Ukraine war: PM Modi tells Japanese media

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated India’s principled and humanitarian approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, saying New Delhi’s is ready to support any “meaningful effort” toward a peaceful resolution.

In a written response to Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun, PM Modi said that he recently held consecutive phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during which both leaders shared their perspectives on the ongoing war.

“India has maintained a principled and humanitarian stance on the conflict which is equally appreciated by both President Putin and President Zelenskyy. In line with this, both the leaders spoke to me to share their perspectives on the developments related to the conflict. I reiterated India’s principled and consistent stand and encouraged dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict,” said PM Modi.

PM Modi said India has balanced relations with both Russia and Ukraine and that it is well positioned to contribute to peace efforts.

“I believe, by virtue of our good relations with both sides, including key stakeholders, we can strengthen efforts dedicated to the restoration of an early and lasting peace in Ukraine,” he said.

This comes at a time when India is facing 50% tariffs from the United States for purchasing Russian oil, with the US administration accusing New Delhi of “funding the war” by trading with Moscow.

India has strongly criticised Washington for what it called “unjustified and unreasonable” tariffs on Indian goods, after the Trump administration raised duties to over 50% as a penalty for India’s continued oil trade with Russia.

India has consistently called for the cessation of hostilities and a return to negotiations, while providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine and maintaining strategic ties with Russia.

With inputs from agencies