Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, stressing the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and "sincere and practical engagement" with all stakeholders to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict with Ukraine.

Modi spoke to Putin a day after his phone conversation with U.S. President Joe Biden, which also centred on resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict. These discussions follow Modi's visit to Ukraine on August 23, during which he urged President Volodymyr Zelensky to engage in talks with Russia to help end the conflict.

According to an Indian readout of the Modi-Putin conversation, the two leaders exchanged views on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Modi “shared insights” from his visit to Kyiv and “underlined the importance of dialogue and diplomacy as well as sincere and practical engagement between all stakeholders to achieve an abiding and peaceful resolution of the conflict”, the readout stated.

Modi added in a post on X, “Reiterated India’s firm commitment to support an early, abiding and peaceful resolution of the conflict.”

A statement from the Kremlin said Putin “shared his principled assessment of the destructive policies of the Kiev authorities and their Western patrons”, and highlighted Russia’s “approaches to resolving this conflict”. The statement did not provide details on the approaches that Putin had mentioned.

The Kremlin’s statement said Modi stressed his commitment to “bringing about a settlement for Ukraine by political and diplomatic means”.

The back-to-back phone calls have sparked speculation in diplomatic circles about India potentially playing a role in relaying messages between the two warring countries.

Sources familiar with the situation, speaking anonymously, indicated that Ukraine's recent offensive into Russia's Kursk region had hardened Moscow's stance on negotiations. On Tuesday, Moscow launched numerous missiles and drones at Ukrainian targets, killing at least five people, a day after its largest aerial attacks of the war.

India has so far avoided publicly condemning Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and has mostly abstained from Ukraine-related resolutions at the United Nations. Additionally, India has increased its purchases of Russian oil, a move criticised by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who accused India of supporting Russia’s "war economy."

Zelensky has urged India, as a prominent player in the Global South, to play a larger role in Ukraine’s peace summit initiative. Although India attended the first peace summit hosted by Switzerland, it did not sign the joint communiqué issued after the meeting.

During his phone call with Biden on Monday, Modi reiterated India's stance on favouring dialogue and diplomacy. Biden praised Modi for his message of peace and humanitarian support for Ukraine, including assistance for its energy sector.

In his conversation with Putin, Modi recalled his visit to Moscow in July for the 22nd India-Russia Summit. The two leaders reviewed progress on various bilateral issues and discussed measures to strengthen their special and privileged strategic partnership. They also addressed several regional and global issues.

The Kremlin's statement noted that the two leaders also discussed practical steps to implement trade and economic agreements concluded during Modi’s recent visit to Russia. They expressed satisfaction with their collaboration within BRICS, and Modi reaffirmed his readiness to participate in the BRICS Summit to be hosted by Russia in Kazan in October.

Image source: Hindustan Times