PM Narendra Modi speaks with President Zelenskyy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over the phone on Saturday, with both leaders reviewing progress in the bilateral partnership between the two countries.

Both leaders also discussed ways to enhance cooperation between both sides in all areas of mutual interest. 

Zelenskyy shared his views on the recent developments related to his country. 

PM Modi reaffirmed India’s consistent position for peaceful settlement of the conflict and support for efforts aimed at earliest restoration of peace, according to an official statement. 

The PM also thanked Zelenskyy, reaffirming India’s steadfast and consistent position for peaceful settlement of the conflict and support for efforts aimed at the earliest restoration of peace. 

PM Modi connects with President Zelenskyy on a telephone call

He also reiterated India’s commitment to extend all possible support in this regard.

Both leaders agreed to remain in touch.

The development comes at a time when India and Russia have reaffirmed their strategic partnership during high-level meetings in Moscow, despite growing US pressure on India for its continuing purchase of Russian oil. 

This week, an additional duty of 25 per cent on select Indian exports into the US took effect over India’s oil trade with Russia, taking the total tariff to 50 per cent. 

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India’s Russian oil purchases 

India has criticised these tariffs as unfair and a double standard since the US and EU also trade with Russia. India maintains that its purchase of Russian crude oil. 

The trade dispute has caused a diplomatic and economic rift between India and the US, raising concerns about the future of their strategic partnership.

Russian oil accounts for about 40 per cent of India’s total oil imports. 

India meets more than four-fifths of its oil needs through imports. 

Earlier this month, PM Modi engaged in a telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The PM thanked Putin for updates on the Ukraine situation, reaffirming commitment to bilateral relations between both sides.

PM Modi has invited Putin for an official visit to India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit later this year. 

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