EU Leaders Urge Modi to Help Persuade Russia to End Ukraine War
The war in Ukraine has entered yet another difficult phase, with no clear end in sight. While the conflict is taking place in Europe, its effects are global—shaping energy markets, food security, trade, and overall stability. This week, the top leadership of the European Union reached out to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to play a greater role in persuading Russia to end the war.
Both European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke with Modi, stressing that the Ukraine war carries serious global security consequences and undermines economic stability worldwide. Their outreach highlights how India’s position - carefully balanced since the war began—has become crucial for any potential resolution.
Why the EU Is Seeking India’s Role
Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 put Europe at the epicenter of the conflict. The EU, alongside the US and other Western allies, has imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia while providing aid to Ukraine. Yet, despite these measures, the war continues.
The EU sees India as uniquely placed to influence Moscow for a few reasons:
- Historic ties with Russia: India has long-standing defense, energy, and trade relations with Russia, making it one of Moscow’s key partners outside the West.
- Non-aligned stance: Unlike the US and EU, India has not condemned Russia outright. Instead, it has called consistently for dialogue and peaceful resolution.
- Global credibility: India is seen as a major voice of the Global South, representing countries that have been indirectly affected by the war’s disruption of food, fuel, and fertilizer supplies.
- Modi’s personal diplomacy: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have both reached out directly to Modi in recent months, showing recognition of his potential role as a mediator.
By encouraging India to act, the EU is signaling that a broader coalition of voices - beyond the West- is needed to push Russia toward negotiations.
Modi’s Response: A Call for Peaceful Resolution
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs claims that Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India's unwavering support for a peaceful dispute settlement. He emphasized that violence cannot provide lasting solutions and that peace and stability must be restored as quickly as possible.
This stance is not new. Since the war began, India has maintained a careful line:
- Avoid taking sides and refraining from openly criticizing Russia's invasion.
- Repeated calls for dialogue, urging both Moscow and Kyiv to engage in direct talks.
- Emphasis on global stability, highlighting how the conflict affects food and energy security.
Modi’s position reflects India’s strategic balancing act - maintaining its partnership with Russia while also engaging more deeply with the US and the EU.
The Trade Deal Connection: India-EU Free Trade Agreement
The conversation between Modi and the EU leaders wasn’t just about Ukraine. Both sides also pressed for faster progress on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a long-pending deal that could reshape economic ties between the two regions.
Why the FTA Matters:
- Increasing investment and trade: India's third-largest trading partner is the EU. A trade pact could open markets further, lower tariffs, and increase cooperation in technology and services.
- Supply chain resilience: With global disruptions, both India and the EU are keen to diversify and strengthen supply chains.
- Geopolitical alignment: A trade deal would not just be economic—it would strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Europe.
Von der Leyen and Costa stressed that the FTA must be concluded by the end of the year, noting that “progress is needed now.” India echoed this commitment, pointing to recent rounds of negotiations and mutual interest in the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC).
Ukraine War: Global Security and Economic Implications
Costa and Von der Leyen underlined a critical point: the Ukraine war is not just a European crisis. It is a global challenge.
Key Risks Posed by the War:
- Food security: Wheat and other grains are major exports from Ukraine. Food prices have increased in many countries as a result of supply chain disruptions caused by the war.
- Energy crisis: Europe’s reliance on Russian gas created shortages and skyrocketing energy prices after sanctions and supply cuts.
- Global inflation: Rising costs of fuel, fertilizer, and commodities have contributed to inflation worldwide.
- Security instability: The war has heightened tensions between NATO and Russia, raising fears of wider conflict.
By urging India to step in, the EU is highlighting the fact that no region is immune from the consequences of the war.
India’s Balancing Act: Oil, Energy, and Neutral Diplomacy
One of the major points of friction between India and Western nations has been New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil. Despite sanctions, Russia supplies nearly 40% of India’s energy needs.
India’s Justification:
- Energy security first: With a population of 1.4 billion and a rapidly growing economy, India argues it cannot compromise on affordable energy.
- Diversification of supply: While expanding ties with the US and Middle East for energy, India views Russian oil as essential for stability.
- Strategic independence: India maintains that its foreign policy decisions are based on national interest, not external pressure.
Western capitals have occasionally criticized this position. However, India has remained firm, stating that its choices are driven by domestic needs and global peace efforts, not by alignment with any bloc.
Upcoming EU Meeting: Possible Sanctions and Pressures
The timing of the Modi-EU conversation is important. Two days later, EU foreign ministers are set to meet in Copenhagen to discuss the bloc’s Anti-Circumvention Tool, which could impose secondary sanctions on countries helping Russia bypass restrictions.
This could directly affect India if it is seen as facilitating Russia’s access to critical goods or energy markets. The US has already increased pressure, warning India about its oil imports from Moscow.
While sanctions are unlikely to be aimed squarely at India, the pressure shows how New Delhi’s actions are under close global watch.
Conclusion: Can India Influence Peace in Ukraine?
India is not a direct party to the Ukraine conflict, yet its role is becoming increasingly important. For the EU, convincing Russia to step back requires a wider coalition—and India is one of the few global players with working relationships on both sides.
Modi has consistently called for peace, stability, and dialogue. Whether that translates into concrete progress depends on how much leverage India can exert over Russia, and whether Moscow is willing to listen.
At the same time, India’s engagement with the EU on trade, technology, and global security shows that the India-EU partnership is deepening, even as they navigate differences on Russia.
For now, the world watches closely. If New Delhi can use its diplomatic capital to nudge the conflict toward resolution, it would not only enhance India’s global standing but also help stabilize an uncertain world.
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