German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Wednesday urged India to use its ties with Russia to push for peace negotiations on the Ukraine war, days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Vladimir Putin at a regional summit in China.
Speaking in New Delhi, Wadephul said Europe and the U.S. had made “enormous efforts” but Russia has refused talks, adding that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has shown willingness for peace. He stressed that “weapons must fall silent.”
The appeal comes as Europe looks to India to play a bigger diplomatic role while balancing its close defense partnership with Moscow. India has avoided condemning Russia outright, instead calling for an end to hostilities, while also buying discounted Russian oil to protect its economy.
Tensions with Washington have grown after U.S. President Donald Trump raised tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, hitting exports worth $48.2 billion. Seeking alternatives, India is pushing for a free trade deal with the EU, with Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar urging Germany to help conclude the pact this year.