Indian Prime Minister engages in conversation with Volodymyr Zelensky prior to encounter with Vladimir Putin
Indian Prime Minister Meets with World Leaders Amid Global Tensions
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hours before the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, which is scheduled until Monday. The summit, taking place in Tianjin, China, brings together leaders from China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iran, and several Central Asian republics.
Amidst this international gathering, Modi finds himself navigating a delicate balance in his diplomatic relations. India, while maintaining dialogue, has adopted a policy of "active neutrality" regarding the war in Ukraine. This stance is in contrast to the Western sanctions against Russia, but India has not joined these measures.
Modi's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, scheduled for Monday, 1st September, occurs amidst growing pressure from Washington. The United States recently imposed 50% tariffs on Indian exports, including a 25% increase due to the purchase of Russian oil.
India's diplomatic efforts extend beyond Moscow. Modi is also maintaining diplomatic channels with Kiev, as evidenced by his conversation with Zelensky. This approach is part of Modi's strategy to balance his relations with Beijing, with whom India has years of tense border disputes, and Moscow, whose energy resources India is increasingly dependent upon.
In an effort to strengthen its energy ties with Moscow, India is intensifying its approach towards Beijing before a crucial summit. Modi's contact with Zelensky reinforces this attempt to balance his treatment of relations with Beijing.
At the SCO Summit, Modi reiterated his calls for an end to the Ukraine war and a lasting peace solution. He expressed support for recent conflict resolution initiatives and emphasised India's commitment to regional security, counter-terrorism, economic cooperation, and a diplomatic reset with China. Modi's participation underscores India's continued efforts to navigate the complexities of global geopolitics.
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