Indian PM Modi affirms support for peace efforts, dialogue and diplomacy in talks with Putin and Zelensky
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Putin, Zelensky
As the war in Ukraine persists with no apparent resolution in sight even after two years, India continues to advocate for dialogue and diplomacy, with the latest being telephonic conversations Indian PM Narendra Modi held with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In a call with the Russian president, PM Modicongratulated him on his re-election and expressed aspirations to further strengthen the longstanding strategic partnership between India and Russia. The leaders also discussed bilateral cooperation and exchanged perspectives on regional and global affairs, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Prime Minister Modi reiterated "India’s consistent position in favour of dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward.The two leaders agreed to remain in touch," as per a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs.
"Spoke with President Putin and congratulated him on his re-election as the President of the Russian Federation. We agreed to work together to further deepen and expand India-Russia Special & Privileged Strategic Partnership in the years ahead," PM Modi wrote in a statement on X social media platform.
In another statement, the foreign ministry said that the Indian prime minister also engaged in a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Both leaders discussed bilateral relations.
During the call with President Zelensky, PM Modi highlighted India's backing for peaceful resolutions to all disputes and reiterated India's commitment to supporting peace efforts.
WATCH |German Chancellor Olaf Scholz vows to provide more aid to Ukraine
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said PM Modi in his call with Ukrainian president "highlighted India supports all efforts for an early and peaceful resolution of all issues between the parties. He added that India would continue to do everything within its means to support a peaceful solution."
President Zelenskyexpressed appreciation for India's humanitarian aid to Ukraine, and both leaders agreed to maintain communication. On social media platform X, PM Modi wrote, "Had a good conversation with President @ZelenskyyUa on strengthening the India-Ukraine partnership. Conveyed India’s consistent support for all efforts for peace and bringing an early end to the ongoing conflict. India will continue to provide humanitarian assistance guided by our people-centric approach."
Last Month, Ukraine's Deputy FM Iryna Borovets visited India and spoke to WION in a rare interview on India-Ukraine ties. She expressed gratitude for the humanitarian assistance received from India and also pointed out the role India could potentially play in halting the ongoing hostilities.
She also referred to Prime Minister Modi's words, "This is not an era of war," and said that while Ukraine concurs withModi's message, there is a lack of acknowledgment from Russia on the same. She also held out hope that PM Modi would attend the Swiss peace summit in 2024. Moreover, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is due to visit India next week.
(With inputs from agencies)