After Trump's tariff, Zelenskyy nudges Modi to stop India's energy imports from Russia

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who subtly nudged him to cut down India’s import of energy from Russia to limit the former Soviet Union nation’s ability to continue its ‘special military operations’ in Ukraine.

Modi spoke to Zelenskyy just days after United States President Donald Trump slammed New Delhi for continuing to buy energy from Russia "without caring for the plight of people" in Ukraine. Trump also imposed an additional 25 per cent duty – on top of 25 per cent imposed just a few days back – on India’s exports to the US, in response to New Delhi’s refusal to abide by the US and the European Union’s sanctions and stop procuring energy from Russia.

The Prime Minister had a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin last Friday.

“We also discussed in detail the sanctions against Russia. I noted that it is necessary to limit the export of Russian energy, particularly oil, to reduce its potential and ability to finance the continuation of this war,” Zelenskyy posted on X after his phone call with Modi. “It is important that every leader who has tangible leverage over Russia sends the corresponding signals to Moscow.”

“I conveyed India’s consistent position on the need for an early and peaceful resolution of the conflict (between Russia and Ukraine). India remains committed to making every possible contribution in this regard, as well as to further strengthening bilateral ties with Ukraine,” Modi posted on X after speaking to Zelenskyy over the phone.

Zelenskyy shared his views with Modi on the recent developments related to Ukraine. Modi conveyed to Zelenskyy that India remained steadfastly in favour of a peaceful settlement of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and support for efforts aimed at the earliest restoration of peace. The Prime Minister reiterated India’s commitment to extend all possible support to bringing the Russia-Ukraine conflict to an end.

New Delhi had welcomed the understanding reached between the US and Russia for a meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska on August 15, noting that the parleys between the two leaders might bring to an end the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and open up the prospects for peace.

India’s purchase of oil from Russia rose from 2.1 per cent of its total imports in 2021-22 to 35.10 per cent in 2024-25. The three biggest buyers of Russian fossil fuels, China (EUR 78 bn), India (EUR 49 bn), and Turkey (EUR 34 bn) were responsible for 74 per cent of Russia’s total revenues from fossil fuels in the third year of the war in Ukraine, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).

Zelenskyy informed Modi about Russia’s attacks on the cities and villages in Ukraine. He particularly mentioned Russia bombing the bus station in Zaporizhzhya in Ukraine on Sunday, injuring dozens of people, ignoring the diplomatic possibility to end the war. “Instead of demonstrating readiness for a ceasefire, Russia is showing only its desire to continue the occupation and killings (in Ukraine),” the President of the beleaguered Eastern European nation posted on X after speaking to the Prime Minister of India.

“It is important that India supports our peace efforts and shares the position that everything concerning Ukraine must be decided with Ukraine’s participation. Other formats will not deliver results,” Zelenskyy quoted himself telling Modi.