Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reaffirming India's willingness to support diplomatic initiatives aimed at bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to an end.

The discussion covered the course of the conflict, recent diplomatic engagements and opportunities to strengthen ties between New Delhi and Kyiv. Modi reiterated India's position that a lasting resolution must be achieved through dialogue and diplomacy, while underlining the humanitarian consequences of the war.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, Zelenskyy briefed Modi on the latest developments and shared his assessment of the ongoing efforts to find a way towards peace.

In a post on X, the Ukrainian President said he had also updated Modi on preparations for an upcoming meeting in Abu Dhabi. He said Ukraine was working constructively on the agenda and expected Russia to demonstrate a similar willingness to reduce tensions.

Zelenskyy referred to Modi's earlier interventions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying the Indian Prime Minister had repeatedly stressed the need to bring the fighting to an end rather than allow it to continue.

ZELENSKYY RAISES BLACK SEA GRAIN EXPORTS

Food security and the disruption of maritime trade featured prominently in the conversation, according to Zelenskyy.

The Ukrainian President urged India to consider what diplomatic steps it could take, including engagement with other world leaders, to help resolve the conflict. He identified the movement of food supplies as one possible area where New Delhi could play a role.

Zelenskyy alleged that Russian restrictions on shipping through the Black Sea were obstructing grain exports and causing wider economic damage. He said India was prepared to mediate efforts to establish food corridors and expressed hope that such engagement would continue.

He also warned that the disruption of sea routes was affecting the global economy and the livelihoods of millions of people. The two sides agreed to keep their respective teams in contact on food security and other issues, he added.

MODI, ZELENSKYY LOOK TO DEEPEN BILATERAL COOPERATION

Beyond the war, the leaders reviewed cooperation between India and Ukraine and discussed ways to expand engagement across different sectors.

Modi described the exchange as productive and said both countries were committed to strengthening their relationship.

In his statement on X, the Prime Minister thanked Zelenskyy for outlining his views on the conflict, its humanitarian impact and ongoing initiatives to restore peace. He reiterated that India remained committed to contributing in every possible way towards a peaceful settlement.

PUTIN HAS ALSO ACKNOWLEDGED MODI'S PEACE EFFORTS

The latest conversation follows earlier public acknowledgements from both Kyiv and Moscow of India's potential role in diplomatic efforts.

In August, Zelenskyy had said Ukraine was looking to India to contribute to ending the war, expressing appreciation for New Delhi's emphasis on peace and dialogue.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also referred to Modi's efforts during remarks in October. He said the Indian Prime Minister regularly raised the question of ending the conflict, even as the two countries maintained friendly relations. Putin added that Modi had put forward ideas on resolving the crisis.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov had similarly acknowledged India's willingness to contribute to a settlement, saying Moscow appreciated New Delhi's readiness and the proposals it had shared.

Monday's conversation underscores India's continued engagement with both sides and its stated preference for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.