Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vladimir Zelensky spoke over the phone on Monday to discuss the Ukraine conflict and bilateral relations. Modi reaffirmed India’s “steadfast and consistent position” in support of a peaceful settlement, New Delhi said in a statement.

Commenting on X, the Indian leader said his country “remains committed” to making every possible contribution to an “early and peaceful” resolution of the fighting. His remarks came days after New Delhi issued a statement in support of “the understanding” reached between Moscow and Washington on a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US counterpart Donald Trump in Alaska later this week.

”This meeting holds the promise of bringing to an end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and opening up the prospects for peace. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said on several occasions, ‘This is not an era of war’,” the country’s Foreign Ministry said.

Meanwhile, Zelensky, while thanking Modi for his “warm words of support for our people” also urged New Delhi to limit the export of Russian energy “to reduce its potential and ability to finance the continuation of this war.” Writing on X, he added, “It is important that every leader who has tangible leverage over Russia sends the corresponding signals to Moscow.”

Zelensky’s remarks come after India was slapped with increased tariffs by Washington over imports of Russian oil and defense equipment.

Trump imposed a 25% percent tariff on Indian goods on July 31 and announced an additional 25% last week. While the initial hike went into effect on August 7, the subsequent one will go into force later this month. India has sharply criticized the new US tariffs linked to its oil trade with Russia as “extremely unfortunate,” while pledging to protect its own national interests.

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