New Delhi: The top leadership of the European Union (EU) on Thursday urged India to help persuade Russia end the over three-year-long war in Ukraine.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and European Council president Antonio Costa both spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Von der Leyen stressing that India has a key role in efforts to end the Ukraine war.
During the telephonic conversation, the two sides also discussed the need for speedy conclusion of negotiations for an India-EU free trade agreement.
“We had the pleasure of speaking with Prime Minister @narendramodi. We warmly welcome India’s continued engagement with President Zelenskyy,” Von der Leyen said in a post on X.
The EU chief added that “India has an important role to play in bringing Russia to end its war of aggression and helping create a path towards peace.”
Calling the conflict a global concern, Von der Leyen wrote: “This war carries global security consequences and undermines economic stability. So it is a risk to the entire world.
Modi reiterated New Delhi’s consistent support for the peaceful resolution of the conflict.
“Had a very good conversation with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Reaffirmed our shared commitment for an early conclusion of the India-EU FTA and implementation of the IMEEC corridor. Exchanged views on issues of mutual interest and efforts for bringing an early end to the conflict in Ukraine. We agreed that our Strategic Partnership has a key role to play in fostering stability and promoting a rules-based order,” Modi posted on X.
Regarding EU-India ties, Von der Leyen said both sides aim to agree on “a joint strategic agenda at the next EU-India summit, as early as possible in 2026.”
The AU chief reaffirmed commitment to “concluding the Free Trade Agreement negotiations by the end of the year,” but added that “progress is needed now.”
