India Reiterates Commitment to Dialogue
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently held a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reaffirming India's steadfast position on resolving the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. The call, which took place on November 9, 2026, saw President Zelenskyy brief PM Modi on the latest developments in the war.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, PM Modi emphasized India's human-centric approach and its consistent readiness to contribute to all efforts aimed at a peaceful resolution. Prime Minister Modi also shared his perspective on the call via social media, reiterating India's firm commitment to peace.
Beyond the conflict, the two leaders also discussed avenues to strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sectors, aiming for mutual benefit between India and Ukraine.
Territorial Dispute Remains Core Obstacle
The conflict's central challenge, particularly regarding territorial disputes, was highlighted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in an earlier statement. Rubio indicated that Russia demands control of the entire Donetsk region as a condition for peace, a stance Ukraine has refused, unwilling to surrender its remaining territory.
Rubio noted that Russia controls approximately 89% of Donetsk, with Ukraine holding a heavily fortified defensive line in the remaining 11%. This territorial disagreement, he explained, continues to be the primary obstacle to a negotiated settlement.
Consistent Diplomatic Engagement
This latest conversation builds upon a series of high-level engagements between the two leaders. PM Modi and President Zelenskyy previously met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France on June 17, 2026, where discussions also focused on peace efforts and deepening bilateral ties, including potential industrial partnerships.
Prior to that, they spoke by telephone on August 30, 2025, and PM Modi made a historic visit to Kyiv in August 2024, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Ukraine since diplomatic relations were established in 1992. Throughout these interactions, India has consistently advocated for a resolution through diplomacy rather than military confrontation.