Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday, August 30, ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China, where he is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

This was their second discussion this month, focusing on the Ukraine conflict and the prospects for peace. During the call, Zelenskyy briefed PM Modi on recent developments in the war, while the Prime Minister reiterated India’s consistent position supporting dialogue and peaceful resolution. “We exchanged views on the ongoing conflict, its humanitarian aspect, and efforts to restore peace and stability. India extends full support to all efforts in this direction,” PM Modi wrote on X.

In a social media post, Zelenskyy emphasized that India was “ready to make the necessary efforts and deliver the appropriate signal to Russia and other leaders” during the SCO Summit. He stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire and said both leaders aligned their positions ahead of the key meeting.

The conversation comes a day before PM Modi’s scheduled engagement with Putin and Xi in Tianjin, a significant moment given ongoing geopolitical and economic tensions. Zelenskyy also updated PM Modi on his recent talks with Donald Trump and European leaders, reaffirming Ukraine’s willingness for direct dialogue with Russia.

Both leaders also reviewed the India-Ukraine bilateral partnership, including plans for high-level visits and cooperation through the Joint Intergovernmental Commission. This was their second call in August, following an earlier exchange on August 11. Modi and Zelenskyy last met in person during the G7 Summit in Hiroshima in May 2023.