Modi’s visit to Kyiv, the first by an Indian prime minister in Ukraine’s modern history, occurred at a pivotal moment in the war that began in February 2022. Moscow, a longstanding arms supplier to India since the Soviet era, faces increasing international pressure amid the ongoing conflict.

During the phone call, the two leaders discussed strengthening cooperation between their nations, according to Modi. However, the Kremlin provided no details beyond confirming the conversation. “I reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting a permanent and peaceful resolution to the conflict,” Modi shared in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Modi’s visit to Ukraine followed his July trip to Russia, during which he embraced Putin on the same day a deadly Russian missile strike hit a children’s hospital. That visit angered Ukraine, prompting the U.S. State Department to express concerns over India’s relationship with Russia.

In recent years, the U.S. has been working to strengthen ties with India as a counterbalance to China’s growing regional influence. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned that he discussed the possibility of India hosting a second peace summit, hoping for participation from countries in the “global south.”

Despite this, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov ruled out talks after Ukraine launched an offensive in Russia’s Kursk region on August 6.

India, which has maintained close economic and defense relations with Moscow, has avoided condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Instead, it has increased its purchases of Russian oil to record levels, citing national interests as the justification.

Ukraine has asked India to assist in rebuilding its war-torn economy by encouraging Indian firms to invest during a business summit.

Additionally, Modi spoke with U.S. President Joe Biden regarding his visit to Ukraine.