Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kyiv this week, India has indicated that while it may not directly mediate between Russia and Ukraine, it is willing to facilitate communication between the two countries. Modi’s visit, scheduled for August 23, will be the first by a senior Indian leader since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and the first by an Indian Prime Minister since Ukraine gained independence in 1991.

In a recent phone call with India’s National Security Adviser, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, suggested that Modi could play a “significant role” in advancing peace efforts in Ukraine. However, according to sources familiar with the discussions, India is not prepared to take on a direct mediatory role. Instead, it has offered to relay messages between the conflicting parties.

“They have made it clear that they won’t mediate, but they have said they can pass messages,” said a Western diplomat briefed on the matter. Another diplomat echoed this perspective, emphasizing India’s position on the issue. India has largely avoided publicly criticizing Russia’s actions in Ukraine, opting to vote against or abstain from most UN resolutions related to the conflict. The Indian government continues to advocate for dialogue and diplomacy as the means to resolve the dispute.

During his recent meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Modi highlighted that a resolution cannot be achieved through combat and that meaningful negotiations cannot occur under the threat of violence.

India’s cautious stance reflects its longstanding relationship with Russia, which supplies nearly 60% of India’s military equipment and remains a major source of crude oil amid Western sanctions on Russia. Despite Ukraine’s calls for India to take a more active role in peace efforts due to its close ties with Russia, India remains hesitant to adopt a position that might alienate its strategic partner.