New York, Sept 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is deeply concerned by the war in Ukraine and his meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy here demonstrates his commitment to finding a way forward and contributing in any way possible to a resolution of the conflict, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said.Modi on Monday held a bilateral meeting with Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the UN’s Summit of the Future before wrapping up his three-day visit to the US.
Misri said the meeting requested by the Ukrainian side “accordingly took place”.
“Our voice in support of peace and path through dialogue and diplomacy is not new one. It’s natural for us to assume this role. I think the prime minister’s meeting with President Zelenskyy also reflects his own, in a sense, commitment to this effort because he is deeply concerned by this conflict, not just in terms of the human toll that it is taking — something that he has recognised — but also in terms of the toll that it is taking on the world at large, especially on countries in the Global South,” Misri said in response to a question on the meeting.
The meeting with Zelenskyy “demonstrates” Modi’s “commitment to finding a way forward and to contributing in any way possible to a resolution of this conflict”, he said.
Misri, briefing the media after the conclusion of the prime minister’s visit to the US, said the meeting gave an opportunity to take stock again of recent developments.
“Met President @ZelenskyyUa in New York. We are committed to implementing the outcomes of my visit to Ukraine last month to strengthen bilateral relations. Reiterated India’s support for early resolution of the conflict in Ukraine and restoration of peace and stability,” Modi said in a post on X.
Modi reiterated “India’s clear, consistent and constructive approach in favour of a peaceful resolution of the conflict through diplomacy and dialogue as well as engagement between all stakeholders”, according to a statement.
Modi recalled his visit to Kyiv last month, their discussions on all matters, bilateral issues and those surrounding the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The prime minister also conveyed that India remains open to providing “all support within its means to facilitate a lasting and peaceful resolution of the conflict”.
“We are actively developing our relations and working together to strengthen cooperation across various fields. The main focus of our conversation was on enhancing our interaction on international platforms, particularly at the UN and G20, as well as implementing the Peace Formula and preparing for the second Peace Summit. We had a substantive discussion on the available opportunities,” Zelenskyy said on X.