Norway's Støre urges Modi pressure Russia

Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre called on India's Narendra Modi to leverage New Delhi's influence in Moscow to push Russia toward a ceasefire in Ukraine. Speaking to reporters on May 19, 2026, Støre said he hopes Modi "will use India's channels to Moscow to press for a ceasefire," adding that "more pressure on Russia is needed to bring it to the negotiating table". Støre made the remarks during a visit to India, where he met Modi and emphasized Norway's expectation that India play a stronger diplomatic role amid stalled Ukraine-Russia talks. "We expect India to push Russia towards ceasefire in Ukraine," Støre stated, highlighting India's unique position due to its longstanding ties with Russia. India has maintained a policy of strategic autonomy in the conflict, abstaining from UN votes condemning Russia while urging dialogue. Modi has spoken directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin multiple times since the 2022 invasion—most recently in January 2026—repeating his line that "this is not an era of war" and pushing for peace talks. India also hosted trilateral talks with Ukraine and Russia delegates in March 2026, though no breakthroughs emerged. Norway, a NATO member and Ukraine supporter, has provided over $7.5 billion in aid to Kyiv since 2022, including artillery and drones. Støre's comments reflect Oslo's push for broader international pressure on Moscow, especially as direct Ukraine-Russia negotiations paused after brief prisoner swaps earlier this month. At the UN Security Council on May 19, Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča noted talks had resumed but stalled, urging a "full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire." India-Russia trade hit $65 billion in 2025-26, up 45% year-over-year, driven by discounted oil imports—Russia supplied 40% of India's crude last year. This economic link gives New Delhi leverage, but Modi has balanced it with Western partnerships, including a $20 billion defense deal with the US in 2025. Støre's appeal taps into this dynamic, asking Modi to convert trade ties into diplomatic pressure. No immediate Indian response to Støre's comments has surfaced. Modi's office reiterated India's "balanced approach" in a May 19 statement, without addressing Norway directly. Putin and Modi are next scheduled to meet at the BRICS summit in Kazan on October 22-24, 2026, where Ukraine could resurface.