Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently talked to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and asked India to support Ukraine’s efforts to stop the war with Russia, which has been going on for four years now. India is in a tough spot right now since the US has put new, high tariffs on Indian goods because India is still buying oil from Russia.
Zelenskyy stressed how important India’s help was throughout the conversation, saying that Ukraine must be involved in making a sustainable peace. “It is important that India is supporting our peace efforts and shares the position that everything concerning Ukraine must be decided with Ukraine’s participation. He said, “Other formats won’t work.”
In a message on social media site X, Prime Minister Modi said again what India has always spoken about the issue. He said that he told the other person “India’s consistent position on the need for an early and peaceful resolution of the conflict.” He also said that India is “still committed to doing everything it can to help in this area, as well as to strengthening ties with Ukraine even more.”
Zelenskyy’s petition also asked for the world to take a firmer stand against Russia. The Ukrainian leader stated, “I noted that it is necessary to limit the export of Russian energy, especially oil, to reduce its potential and ability to finance the continuation of this war.”
India is in a tough spot because of this appeal. President Donald Trump recently put a 25% duty on Indian imports, which means that the total tariff rate for several sectors is now 50%. Trump said this punishment is directly related to India’s purchase of Russian oil, which he says is “fuelling the war machine.”
Prime Minister Modi has stayed firm in the face of U.S. tariffs, putting India’s national interests first. “Our farmers’ interests come first for us. India would never put the needs of farmers, fisherman, and dairy producers ahead of its own. I know it will cost us a lot, and I’m ready for that. Modi said, “India is ready for it,” pointing out that India is willing to make economic sacrifices to safeguard its energy security and its own industry.
This diplomatic discussion shows how hard it is for India to balance its long-standing ties and strategic cooperation with Russia, its developing contacts with Western countries, and its own economic interests in a world that is changing quickly.