Before Zelenskyy called PM Modi: An endorsement, a telecon and another unconfirmed invite

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India endorsed the upcoming Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, spoke separately with both leaders of Russia and Ukraine, as the US considers inviting President Zelenskyy to the high-stakes meeting
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a 'lengthy conversation' with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, during which the Indian leader reiterated New Delhi's consistent call for a peaceful settlement to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
In a statement, PM's office said: 'Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation today with the President of Ukraine, H.E. Mr Volodymyr Zelenskyy. President Zelenskyy shared his views on the recent developments related to Ukraine.'
'Prime Minister thanked President Zelenskyy and reaffirmed India's steadfast and consistent position for peaceful settlement of the conflict and support for efforts aimed at earliest restoration of peace. PM reiterated India's commitment to extend all possible support in this regard,' the statement added.
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Zelenskyy's call came after India made a series of diplomatic manoeuvres, including New Delhi's quiet endorsement of the upcoming August 15 Alaska Summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
India endorses Trump-Putin summit
Ministry of External Affairs in a statement on Saturday said that India welcomes the agreement between the US and Russia to hold a meeting in Alaska, viewing it as a potential breakthrough in efforts to end the ongoing war in Ukraine.
'India welcomes the understanding reached between the United States and the Russian Federation for a meeting in Alaska on 15th August 2025,' the Ministry of External Affairs said.
''This meeting holds the promise of bringing to an end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and opening up the prospects for peace. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said on several occasions, This is not an era of war,' the statement added.
This will be Putin's first trip to the United States since 2015, when he met former President Barack Obama.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, 'The highly anticipated meeting between myself, as President of the United States of America, and President Vladimir Putin of Russia will take place next Friday, August 15, 2025, in the Great State of Alaska. Further details to follow. Thank you for your attention to this matter!'
PM Modi-Putin discuss Ukraine
Last week, PM Modi also held a separate call with President Putin, during which they discussed 'the latest developments on Ukraine' and 'reaffirmed commitment to further deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership'.
While India has refrained from condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine — a position it shares with China — it continues to advocate for inclusive peace talks that involve both sides.
The Modi-Putin conversation took place three days after Russia criticised Trump's tariff action and backed India's right to choose its trading partners. 'Sovereign countries have the right to choose their own trading partners,' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
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After his talk with Putin, Modi, in a post on X, said, 'Had a very good and detailed conversation with my friend President Putin. I thanked him for sharing the latest developments on Ukraine. We also reviewed the progress in our bilateral agenda, and reaffirmed our commitment to further deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. I look forward to hosting President Putin in India later this year.'
Trump-Putin-Zelenskyy trilateral on cards?
Meanwhile, reports from Washington suggest the White House is weighing the possibility of inviting Zelenskyy to join the Trump-Putin summit in some capacity.
According to a NBC News report on Sunday, citing a senior US official and multiple sources familiar with the talks, discussions are ongoing, and no final decision has been made.
'It's being discussed,' one source was quoted as saying, while a senior official noted a Zelenskyy visit is 'absolutely' possible, adding, 'Everyone is very hopeful.'
A White House official said Trump remains open to a trilateral meeting but is currently focused on the bilateral summit with Putin. The Ukrainian government has not commented, added the report.
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Trump announced the Alaska meeting Friday as part of a push for a Ukraine ceasefire. The White House initially conditioned the summit on a Zelenskyy-Putin meeting, but Trump later dropped that requirement. It's unclear whether Zelenskyy and Putin would meet directly if he attends.
The diplomatic push follows Trump envoy Steve Witkoff's recent talks with Putin in Moscow, ahead of a Trump-imposed deadline for progress or new sanctions.
With inputs from agencies