 "Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, in Apulia, Italy, Friday, June 14, 2024. (File Photo: PTI)")
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said India is “mostly” on Ukraine’s side, a remark that contrasts with US President Donald Trump’s claims that India is funding Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Speaking to Fox News, Zelenskyy stressed that India supports Ukraine, though he acknowledged some energy-related challenges as New Delhi continues to buy Russian oil amid US pressure.
India and China are ‘primary funders’ of Russia’s war: Trump at UNGA
Trump, meanwhile, criticised India and China at the UN General Assembly, calling them “primary funders” of Russia’s ongoing war.
“China and India are the primary funders of the ongoing war by continuing to purchase Russian oil. Inexcusably, even NATO countries have not cut off much Russian energy,” Trump said, expressing frustration with European allies in particular.
Sharp criticism of Europe, UN
In a 56-minute speech, Trump also emphasised his claims of brokering peace between nations, argued for lower global migration, and dismissed climate change efforts as “the greatest con job” in the world. He directed sharp criticism at the UN and Europe.
“Think of it, they are funding the war against themselves. Who the hell ever heard of that one?” Trump said, accusing European nations of hypocrisy for buying Russian energy. “Europe has to step it up. They can’t be doing what they’re doing. They’re buying oil and gas from Russia while they’re fighting Russia,” he added.
Trump’s claims on India-Pakistan
Trump also repeated claims of resolving conflicts between India and Pakistan, which have been long rejected by New Delhi. “I ended seven wars, dealt with the leaders of each and every one of these countries, and never even received a phone call from the United Nations offering to help,” he said, reiterating disputed claims about his peacemaking role.
Warning of sanctions on Russia
On Russia, Trump urged US allies to join in pressuring President Vladimir Putin and warned of possible sanctions. “In the event that Russia is not ready to make a deal to end the war, the United States is fully prepared to impose a very strong round of powerful tariffs which will stop the bloodshed,” he said, calling for Europe to join in.
India has defended its energy ties with Moscow, saying they are based on market forces and necessary for energy security. Officials have argued that targeting New Delhi while larger buyers face fewer restrictions is unfair.