Ukraine’s Zelensky seeks India PM Modi’s help with ‘peace formula’
- The conversation comes at a time when India is seeking to strengthen trade relations with Moscow
- India, the second largest buyer of Russian oil after China, has called Russia ‘a steady and time-tested partner’
Zelensky asked the Group of 20 major economies last month to adopt Ukraine’s 10-point peace formula and to end the war.
The Indian government said in statement late on Monday that the two leaders discussed opportunities for strengthening bilateral cooperation.
“The Prime Minister explained the main priorities of India’s G20 Presidency, including giving a voice to the concerns of developing nations on issues like food and energy security.”
Modi also “strongly reiterated” his call for an immediate end to hostilities in Ukraine and conveyed India’s support for any peace efforts.
The country’s foreign minister has said that as the world’s third-largest consumer of oil and gas where income levels are not high, India had to look after its own interests and called Russia “a steady and time-tested partner”.
Reuters also reported last month that Moscow had sent India a list of more than 500 products for potential delivery, including parts for cars, aircraft and trains, as sanctions squeeze Russia’s ability to keep vital industries running.