India: Ukrainian President Mr. Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he was counting on India’s assistance to implement a “peace formula,” during a phone call with Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi.

The call comes as New Delhi looks to strengthen commercial ties with Moscow after becoming one of the country’s largest oil buyers, defying Western sanctions and giving Russian President Mr. Vladimir Putin a crucial financial lifeline while the Kremlin continues an unprovoked war against its neighbour.

I had a phone call with @PMOIndia Narendra Modi and wished a successful #G20 presidency. It was on this platform that I announced the peace formula and now I count on India's participation in its implementation. I also thanked for humanitarian aid and support in the UN.

— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 26, 2022

“I announced the peace formula and now I count on India’s participation in its implementation. I also thanked for humanitarian aid and support in the UN,” Mr. Zelensky Tweeted.

“Prime Minister also conveyed India’s support for any peace efforts,” the statement added.

Mr. Zelensky gave a 10-point peace plan to the attendees at the Group of 20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, in November 2022. This month, India took over the G20 presidency, which it will hold till the following year.

“The Prime Minister explained the main priorities of India’s G20 Presidency, including giving a voice to the concerns of developing nations on issues like food and energy security,” New Delhi’s statement cited.

Even though India hasn’t openly denounced Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Mr. Modi reminded Putin in September 2022 that the timing is not right for war, emphasising the need to “advance onto a path of peace” and informing him of the need for “democracy, diplomacy, and dialogue.”

Mr. Modi was also thought to be a key player in the G20’s decision to issue a joint declaration condemning Russia’s war in Ukraine “in the strongest terms.”

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