Kyiv: Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday expressed hope that India would play a leading role in global efforts to end the ongoing war with Russia, while extending warm Independence Day greetings to the nation.

In a message posted on X, Zelenskyy praised India’s commitment to freedom and peace, recalling a recent candid discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He urged New Delhi to actively contribute toward securing Ukraine’s sovereignty and ending the four-year conflict.

“Our nations share the experience of standing up for freedom and dignity, as well as the pursuit of peace and development,” Zelenskyy wrote. “We hope that India will contribute to efforts aimed at ending the war, so that our freedom and sovereignty are truly secure.”

He also highlighted the growing potential for Ukraine-India collaboration in science, technology, trade, and culture, wishing the country peace and prosperity.

Zelenskyy’s appeal comes just hours before a crucial summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, aimed at conflict resolution.

Tensions between India and the US persist, with President Trump recently imposing an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports starting August 27, as a penalty for India’s continued Russian oil purchases.

With PTI inputs