Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on August 30, 2025, in a diplomatic exchange focused on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and shared efforts to restore peace and stability.
Why PM Modi speaks to Zelenskyy matters
The call — described by India’s Prime Minister’s Office as a review of India-Ukraine ties and a reaffirmation of India’s consistent position for a peaceful settlement — comes just before Modi’s bilateral meetings at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, including a scheduled meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The timing gives the conversation outsized diplomatic importance.
What was discussed
According to official statements, PM Modi speaks to Zelenskyy about the ongoing conflict’s humanitarian aspects, bilateral cooperation, and India’s desire to see a peaceful resolution. Zelenskyy shared Kyiv’s perspective on recent developments and underlined Ukraine’s interest in ceasefire efforts and international support. Some Ukrainian statements suggested Zelenskyy asked India to help convey messages aimed at de-escalation.
Diplomatic context: ahead of SCO and a Putin meeting
Analysts note that PM Modi speaks to Zelenskyy at a delicate moment: Modi was due to attend the SCO summit in Tianjin, where he would hold talks with leaders including China’s Xi and Russia’s Putin. That multilateral stage increases the potential impact of any bilateral outreach between India and Ukraine. India’s balancing act — engaging both Kyiv and Moscow while pushing for diplomacy — was evident in the tone of the call.
Reactions and signals
Ukraine framed the talk as part of a wider diplomatic push to rally support ahead of possible talks with Russia; Ukrainian officials highlighted that India expressed its consistent support for diplomatic settlement and restoration of peace. Some reports noted Zelenskyy’s hope that India could echo calls for a ceasefire in upcoming engagements. Meanwhile, discussions on U.S. military support to Ukraine, including advanced missile sales, continue to influence Kyiv’s diplomatic strategy.
What this means for India-Ukraine ties
The conversation shows India’s willingness to stay engaged with Ukraine’s leadership while preserving relations with Russia — a posture New Delhi has maintained since the conflict began. PM Modi speaks to Zelenskyy not only to reaffirm humanitarian concerns but also to keep open channels of communication that could support diplomacy at multilateral venues.
Possible next steps
Expect continued contact: both sides signaled interest in deeper dialogue and follow-up, and the phone call was reportedly the second such interaction in a month. With SCO meetings and bilateral talks on the calendar, this exchange may be followed by messages relayed through leaders’ meetings or diplomatic channels.
Bottom line
PM Modi speaks to Zelenskyy as part of India’s broader push to encourage dialogue and humanitarian relief while navigating complex geopolitical relationships. The call underlines New Delhi’s diplomatic balancing act — engaging Kyiv’s concerns and maintaining lines with Moscow — with an emphasis on peace, stability, and closer bilateral cooperation.
