News Feed

US, India discuss Ukraine peace ahead of Modi's anticipated August visit to Kyiv

2 min read
US, India discuss Ukraine peace ahead of Modi's anticipated August visit to Kyiv
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Borgo Egnazia on day two of the 50th G7 summit, on June 14, 2024 in Fasano, Italy. (Antonio Masiello/Getty Images)

U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken met with India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar during the Quad Summit in Tokyo on July 28, to discuss among other things a "just and enduring peace" in Ukraine, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said.

The comments on Ukraine come as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reportedly scheduled to travel to Kyiv in August, marking his first visit to Ukraine since Russia launched its all-out war in February 2022.

In June, Modi met with Zelensky in Italy during the G7 summit. They discussed the ongoing situation in Ukraine, with Modi emphasizing the importance of "dialogue and diplomacy." He reiterated that India would continue to support a peaceful resolution, according to the meeting's official handout.

During the meeting, which also focused on the economic development of the Indo-Pacific region, Blinken "underscored the importance of realizing a just and enduring peace for Ukraine consistent with the UN Charter," Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department said.

New Delhi continues to maintain a vibrant economic partnership with Moscow amid the all-out war against Ukraine, much to the dismay of Western countries. Earlier this month, Modi visited Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in an effort to develop "stronger ties between our nations."

"Landed in Moscow. Looking forward to further deepening the special and privileged strategic partnership between our nations, especially in futuristic areas of cooperation," Modi then wrote on X.

The fraught relationship between Ukraine and India intensified in recent weeks as President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Modi's visit to Russia as "a huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts," which led India to summon Ukraine's ambassador over Zelensky's comments.

Following the sanctions imposed against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, India has become a key buyer of Russian oil, second only to China, purchasing its oil in Indian rupees, dirhams, and Chinese yuan.

Ukraine war latest: Russia reportedly captures Vovche in Donetsk Oblast advancing toward Pokrovsk
Key developments on July 27, 28: * Russia reportedly captures Vovche, Ukrainian military doesn’t confirm * Ukraine attacks 3 Russian airfields, bomber damaged, source says * Ukraine’s military confirms strike on oil refinery in Russia’s Kursk region * Rebels in Mali claim to have killed and inj…
Article image



Avatar
Dmytro Basmat

Senior News Editor

Dmytro Basmat is a senior news editor for The Kyiv Independent. He previously worked in Canadian politics as a communications lead and spokesperson for a national political party, and as a communications assistant for a Canadian Member of Parliament. Basmat has a Master's degree in Political Management from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, and a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Governance from Toronto Metropolitan University.

Read more
News Feed

Ukraine's state energy giant Naftogaz has signed its first agreement to import natural gas from Azerbaijan, the company said in a press release on July 28. The deal comes as gas storage reserves have fallen to their lowest level in at least 11 years, driven by Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy grid.

"Ukraine has already achieved a lot on its European path. It must build on these solid foundations and preserve independent anti-corruption bodies, which are cornerstones of Ukraine's rule of law," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on July 27.

Show More