PM Modi Reaffirms India’s Support for Peace as Zelenskyy Prepares for Abu Dhabi Talks on Ukraine War
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed India's readiness to support efforts towards ending the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. During a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on November 9, 2026, the two leaders discussed the latest developments in the war, upcoming peace negotiations and opportunities to strengthen bilateral relations.
The conversation took place as Ukraine prepared for renewed trilateral discussions involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States in Abu Dhabi. Zelenskyy briefed Modiji on Kyiv's preparations for the negotiations and highlighted the importance of international diplomatic engagement in achieving a peaceful settlement.
Modiji reiterated India's consistent position that dialogue and diplomacy are essential to resolving the conflict. He also emphasised India's willingness to contribute constructively to international efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability.
Zelenskyy Seeks India's Support Ahead of Abu Dhabi Peace Talks
Following the conversation, Zelenskyy acknowledged India's diplomatic engagement and expressed hope that New Delhi would continue encouraging international efforts to end the war. He referred to Modiji's previous discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and stressed the importance of moving towards a peaceful resolution rather than allowing hostilities to continue.
Zelenskyy also indicated that Ukraine was preparing to address the issues on the Abu Dhabi meeting's agenda. He called for meaningful participation from all sides and highlighted the need for concrete steps towards reducing tensions.
India's diplomatic position carries particular significance because it maintains longstanding strategic relations with Russia while continuing to strengthen cooperation with Ukraine. This enables New Delhi to maintain communication with both countries and encourage constructive dialogue at a time when international efforts to resolve the conflict remain important.
India Explores Black Sea Food Corridors to Support Global Food Security
An important aspect of the Modi-Zelenskyy conversation was the possibility of establishing food corridors through the Black Sea. Zelenskyy highlighted India's willingness to explore mediation efforts to facilitate the safe movement of agricultural commodities through the region.
Ukraine is a major global exporter of wheat, corn and other agricultural products. Its Black Sea ports serve as important routes for transporting grain to international markets, particularly in Africa, West Asia and other parts of Asia. However, the ongoing conflict and disruptions to maritime trade have created challenges for agricultural exports and international food supply chains.
The restoration of safe shipping routes could help stabilise global food markets, improve the movement of essential commodities and reduce pressure on countries dependent on imported agricultural products. India's willingness to explore this initiative reflects its broader commitment to international food security and humanitarian cooperation.
India Maintains Communication with Moscow and Kyiv
India's diplomatic engagement has continued through discussions with both Russian and Ukrainian leadership. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also held a telephone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on November 9, during which they discussed the Ukraine conflict and related diplomatic developments.
India's approach reflects its emphasis on maintaining open communication with all concerned parties. Rather than limiting its engagement to appeals for peace, New Delhi has also explored practical possibilities involving maritime safety, grain exports and energy security.
The safety of commercial shipping and essential infrastructure remains a significant concern as the conflict continues. Progress on these issues could create opportunities for confidence-building measures and help reduce the wider economic consequences of the war.
India's Diplomatic Role in the Search for a Peaceful Resolution
Since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022, India has consistently advocated dialogue and diplomacy. New Delhi has maintained that a lasting solution requires meaningful engagement between the parties involved and cannot be achieved through prolonged hostilities.
India's relationships with both countries have allowed it to maintain an independent diplomatic position while supporting international efforts towards peace. Its engagement also reflects the importance of addressing the humanitarian and economic consequences of the conflict, particularly disruptions to food supplies, energy markets and international trade.
The upcoming Abu Dhabi negotiations offer another opportunity to advance diplomatic discussions. While reaching a comprehensive settlement may remain challenging, practical agreements on maritime security, humanitarian concerns and protection of essential infrastructure could provide a foundation for further progress.
The MGMM Outlook
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reinforces India's consistent commitment to resolving international conflicts through dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful engagement. As Ukraine prepares for renewed trilateral negotiations involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States in Abu Dhabi, India's willingness to support diplomatic initiatives highlights its growing role in international affairs. Maintaining constructive relations with both Moscow and Kyiv gives New Delhi an important opportunity to encourage communication between the parties and contribute to efforts towards ending the prolonged conflict.
India's willingness to explore Black Sea food corridors also reflects its commitment to global food security and humanitarian cooperation. Safe maritime routes for agricultural exports could help restore supply chains, support vulnerable economies and reduce disruptions in international trade. By combining diplomatic engagement with practical initiatives involving food security and maritime safety, India is demonstrating how responsible international partnerships can contribute to stability beyond national borders. Its balanced and independent approach strengthens India's position as a constructive voice in global diplomacy and its efforts to encourage a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
(Sources: Firstpost, The Indian Express)
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