EU chief dials PM Modi, makes big appeal to India on Ukraine war, trade deal amid Trump tariff chaos

Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s warm display with Putin and Xi at the SCO summit, Europe has turned to him as a potential key to peace in Ukraine. On September 4, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa held a joint call with Modi, hailing India’s “important role” in ending Russia’s war. Talks also focused on finalizing an India-EU trade pact, with Germany pledging to double trade. As Europe rushes to fast-track ties, Modi’s role as a global power broker is under sharp spotlight.