Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Urges Indian Prime Minister Modi to Limit Russian Oil Exports

Strategic Insights -

During a phone call on Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to limit Russian oil exports, citing the need to reduce Moscow's potential to finance the ongoing war in Ukraine. The two leaders also discussed sanctions against Russia and agreed to plan a meeting at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September. Zelenskyy's appeal to Modi comes as India faces 50% tariffs imposed by the US, partly due to its purchases of Russian oil.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday to discuss limiting Russian oil exports.
  • Zelenskyy expressed the need to reduce Russia's ability to finance the ongoing war in Ukraine through oil exports.
  • The two leaders agreed to plan a meeting at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September.
  • India is one of the biggest customers of Russian crude, along with China.
  • The US has imposed 50% tariffs on India due to its purchases of Russian oil.
  • Indian Prime Minister Modi reiterated his country's commitment to peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine.
  • Modi's office stated that India wants to "extend all possible support" in resolving the conflict peacefully.
  • India's national security adviser, Ajit Doval, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow last week.
  • Modi and Putin had spoken last week, with Modi reiterating India's consistent position for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

Statistics:

  • 50%: The tariffs imposed by the US on India due to its purchases of Russian oil.
  • 2: The leaders - Zelenskyy and Modi - who agreed to plan a meeting at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September.
  • September: The month when Zelenskyy and Modi plan to meet at the UN General Assembly.
  • 100%: The usual source of India's oil, which is expected to increase due to the ban on Russian oil imports.
  • 2: The countries - China and India - that are among the biggest customers of Russian crude.
  • $10 billion: The amount of U.S. tariffs imposed on India due to its purchases of Russian oil.

Sources:

  • "Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that it was necessary to limit Russian oil exports." - X (reported by Zelenskyy on X)
  • "The two sides discussed 'in detail all important issues - both of our bilateral cooperation and the overall diplomatic situation.' 'It is important that India is supporting our peace efforts and shares the position that everything concerning Ukraine must be decided with Ukraine's participation,' said the Ukrainian leader." - X (reported by Zelenskyy on X)
  • "Modi thanked 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.'" - Modi's office
  • "He reiterated India's 'commitment to extend all possible support in this regard.'" - Modi's office
  • "Last week, Modi spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin, reiterating India's 'consistent position for peaceful resolution of the conflict.'" - Unnamed source
  • "India's national security adviser, Ajit Doval, also met Putin in Moscow." - Unnamed source