'Not an era of war': PM Modi repeats Ukraine peace pitch from Poland's Warsaw

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Thursday (Aug 22) in Warsaw that New Delhi was willing to offer any help to end the Ukraine conflict in consultation with friendly nations. He also reiterated that war can't be solution to any conflict and that diplomacy was the only way forward.

"India believes that war cannot be a solution to any conflict. We support dialogue and diplomacy," Modi said during a joint press conference with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

Ahead of his much-awaited and equally anticipated visit to Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier on Wednesday (August 21) said that New Delhi is a supporter of peace in the region. The Indian leader reiterated his comment from the Samarkand SCO summit that "this is not an era of war" with a purported reference to the ongoing Russian offensive in Ukraine.

Prime Minister Modi, while addressing the Indian diaspora in Poland's capital Warsaw, said that under his administration in New Delhi, India's policy preference is to remain close to all the countries.

"India is the land of Lord Buddha's legacy. Therefore, India is an advocate of permanent peace in this region. India's concept is clear - this is not an era of war... India believes in dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflict," Modi told the gathering.

"For decades, India's policy was to keep equal distance with all the countries but new India's policy is to keep proximity with all the countries," PM Modi said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the occasion to publicly thank the Polish government for coming to New Delhi's aid for the safe evacuation of Indian students in Ukraine during the initial few weeks of war in February-March 2022.

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"You people helped the Indian students who were struck in Ukraine...you helped them a lot. Poland's government removed the visa restrictions for Indian students. Poland opened their doors to our students. Today I want to congratulate you all, Poland govt, and the people, on behalf of 140 crore Indians. I salute you all," PM Modi said.

Reflecting on India's development trajectory during his years in power since 2014, PM Modi said that in the last decade, the number of broadband users has become more than 940 million, "which is the population of Europe and the USA put together". "Within two years, we made the 5G network reach every district in India. Now, we are working on 'Made in India' 6G network," PM Modi added.

"People equal to one-thirdpopulation of Poland travel in metro every day (in India). India's contribution to global growth in 2023 was more than 16 per cent...India is not far from becoming the third biggest economy in the world.," he further said.

"India believes in Buddha’s tradition, therefore believes in peace not war...India is an advocate of peace in this region and it is clear that this is not time for war. We need to be together to fight challenges...India focuses on diplomacy and dialogue," PM Modi added.