Zelensky Urges India to Push for Ceasefire, Hopes for Strong Message at SCO Summit

New Delhi, Aug 2025 : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged India to play a crucial role in bringing an end to the war in his country and in advancing peace efforts. He appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take immediate steps toward securing a ceasefire and to send a strong signal to Russia during the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China.

The two leaders spoke over the phone while Prime Minister Modi was in Tianjin for the SCO meeting. This marks the second telephonic conversation between them in the past month, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

According to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), President Zelensky briefed Modi on the latest developments in Ukraine and shared details of his recent discussions with former U.S. President Donald Trump as well as several European leaders.

In response, Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s consistent stance that a peaceful solution remains the only viable path forward. He assured that India would continue to support all efforts aimed at ending hostilities and establishing lasting peace.

Alongside the crisis, the two leaders also reviewed the progress of bilateral relations, reflecting their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation between India and Ukraine.

Following the conversation, Zelensky took to social media to emphasize his concerns. “Peace talks are not fruitful when our cities are constantly under attack. There must be an immediate ceasefire. The end of this war should start from here,” he said. He further expressed hope that India would deliver a clear message not only to Russia but also to the broader international community during the SCO summit.

Zelensky also conveyed his wish to meet Prime Minister Modi in person soon to deepen discussions on peace and bilateral cooperation.

Prime Minister Modi, during the SCO summit, is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The timing of Zelensky’s call, just ahead of this meeting, adds significant weight to his appeal and highlights Ukraine’s expectations of India’s growing diplomatic influence.