India agrees to relay messages between Zelenskyy and Putin - Bloomberg
Photo: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Getty Images)
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ruled out the role of a mediator in ending Russia's war in Ukraine. However, New Delhi has agreed to relay messages between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Bloomberg reports.
Indian officials are calling for dialogue and diplomacy to end the war that began with Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Modi's visit to Ukraine will take place a few weeks after he visited Russia, which sparked discontent in Washington.
The administration of US President Joe Biden has made closer ties with India a cornerstone of its foreign policy. American officials expressed concern about the visit to Russia during a series of meetings and phone calls with their Indian counterparts in July.
Modi's reluctance to act as a mediator in ending the war is partly due to India's dependence on Russia, which supplies cheap oil and weapons. New Delhi has refrained from criticizing Moscow over the invasion of Ukraine, now in its third year, and has increased its purchases of Russian oil to record levels.
From Ukraine's perspective, it is important for Zelenskyy to meet with Modi to discuss India's role in restoring peace in the region, said a person familiar with the matter.
India plays a central role in Zelenskyy's efforts to win over key countries of the so-called Global South, an endeavor that has faced setbacks this year. At the June Summit in Switzerland, India was among the countries that did not sign the final declaration, dealing a blow to Ukraine's efforts to broaden support in the war against Russia's invasion.
According to people familiar with the agenda, the meeting with Modi is unlikely to result in any significant statements, although several agreements, including in the areas of agriculture and defense, are in the works.
Before traveling to Ukraine, Modi will also visit Poland, marking the first visit by an Indian leader in four decades.
Modi's visit to Ukraine
The news agency Wionews reported that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ukraine is likely to take place in the second half of August.
Today, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that Modi will visit Ukraine. However, details will be released later.
At the beginning of 2024, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with Modi and invited him to visit Ukraine. This visit will be the first since Russia's full-scale invasion began.
