PM Modi discusses Ukraine, global issues with Costa, Ursula during India-EU Summit talks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that he discussed the war in Ukraine, the situation in West Asia, and other global issues with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa.

Modi on Tuesday held talks with von der Leyen and Costa as they participated in the India-EU Summit. The main outcome was the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that they have described as the "mother of all deals".

In his remarks after the summit's conclusion, Modi said that he discussed the war in Ukraine, the situation in West Asia, the India-Pacific region, and other global issues in detail with von der Leyen and Costa. Modi said these discussions took place at a time when the "global order is undergoing profound turbulence".

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"In this context, the partnership between India and the European Union will strengthen stability within the international system. Against this backdrop, we held detailed discussions today on several global issues, including Ukraine, West Asia, and the Indo-Pacific. Respect for multilateralism and international norms remains a shared priority. We are united in our view that reform of global institutions is essential to address the challenges of our time," said Modi in Hindi.

On her part, von der Leyen urged Modi to "help to create conditions for peace through dialogue and diplomacy".

"The European Union and India must work together towards our shared prosperity and security. We are supporting all efforts to reach a just and sustainable peace on Ukraine issue. Ukraine has shown its readiness. Dear Prime Minister we can urge you to help to create conditions for peace through dialogue and diplomacy," said von der Leyen.

Even as India and EU have reached a trade deal and announced a security and defence partnership to enter a new era of bilateral relationship, they remain sharply divided on Ukraine and Russia. While the EU treats Russia as the principal threat, India maintains close relations with the country.

While no one has formally said it, there have been reports since the beginning of the war that India has been involved in at least some backchannel efforts related to the war in Ukraine. CNN has previously reported that Western leaders relied on India and China to convince Russian leader Vladimir Putin to tone down his threats to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine and the West.

In 2024, around the time Modi visited Russia and Ukraine within months, there were reports that India had conveyed proposals and played a role in peace efforts.