On August 11, 2025, during an increasingly chaotic period of international trade wars and having to deal with the turmoil and chaos of its ongoing war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a phone call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly.
India is facing US imposed tariffs of 50% on purchases of oil from Russia. Zelenskyy called on Modi to support the peace initiatives of Ukraine, and said, “everything concerning Ukraine must be decided with Ukraine’s participation.” PM Modi reiterated India’s call for an “early peace” solution to the war, indicating, “India is committed to making every possible contribution…”
The communication came after US President Donald Trump expanded tariff targets from 25% to 50% related to Indian imports associated with Russian energy. Having to deal with the ramifications of further tariffs, was another variable added to an already strained economic viewpoint amidst geopolitical uncertainty. Modi informed Zelenskyy that India would not sacrifice the welfare of its farmers and fishermen, dairy producers for economic help in Ukraine and that what has to be considered with Trump’s tariffs was that India would shoulder that burden
