‘India Not Neutral, Always on Side of Peace’: PM Modi on Ukraine Conflict

Kyiv: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday emphasized that India has not been a “neutral or indifferent bystander” during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, asserting that the nation has consistently stood for peace.

In Kyiv, during discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, PM Modi reaffirmed India’s stance that the war can only be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. He also expressed India’s willingness to actively contribute to peace efforts, as reported by Reuters.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar later provided details on the bilateral talks, noting that much of the discussion between Modi and Zelenskyy centered on the Ukraine war. The prime minister urged for “practical engagement between all stakeholders to develop innovative solutions that will contribute towards peace,” Jaishankar stated.

The leaders also tasked the Intergovernmental Commission, co-chaired by Jaishankar and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, with the responsibility of revitalising trade and economic ties, which have suffered due to the conflict.

Jaishankar added, “We certainly look forward to an early meeting of that body, definitely by the end of this year,” and expressed hope that President Zelenskyy would visit India soon.

This visit marks Prime Minister Modi’s first to Kyiv, making him the first Indian premier to visit Ukraine since its independence in 1991.