Tallinn

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has said that India is well positioned to play a constructive role in persuading Russia to reconsider its actions in the Ukraine conflict, pointing to New Delhi’s strong economic engagement with Moscow and its shared commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter.

Commenting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s potential role in efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, Tsahkna described India as a major global player with deep-rooted and ongoing economic ties with Russia. According to him, these links give India the capacity to convey a firm message to Moscow that its military actions undermine European security and violate established international norms.

“India can exert pressure on Russia and make it clear that aggression against Ukraine is not only an attack on Europe but also a violation of the core values enshrined in the United Nations Charter—values that Prime Minister Modi and the people of India uphold,” Tsahkna said. “India has significant leverage to communicate that Russia is heading in the wrong direction.”

The Estonian minister’s remarks come as the war in Ukraine enters its third year, continuing to challenge global diplomacy and security. European nations, including Estonia, have remained steadfast in their support for Ukraine, enforcing sanctions against Russia and increasing military, economic and humanitarian assistance to Kyiv.

Estonia, which is a member of both the European Union and NATO, has been among the strongest voices in Europe calling for accountability for Russia’s actions and sustained international pressure on Moscow.

India, on its part, has maintained strategic and economic relations with Russia, particularly in the energy sector, while consistently advocating dialogue, diplomacy and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Prime Minister Modi has repeatedly stressed that “this is not an era of war” and has conveyed this message directly to both Russian and Ukrainian leaders.

Tsahkna’s comments underline growing expectations within Europe that India, as an emerging global power with credibility across geopolitical divides, could help bridge gaps and contribute to de-escalation efforts.

Earlier in the day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Kyiv had received indications suggesting Russia may be preparing for renewed military escalation in the coming year.

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In recent weeks, both Russia and Ukraine have intensified attacks on each other’s energy infrastructure, including oil refineries and power facilities, further raising concerns about regional and global stability.