Modi ends Ukraine visit with message of peace

New Delhi: After visiting Poland and war-torn Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today reached New Delhi.

Modi’s visit to Ukraine, the first by an Indian leader since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1992, saw New Delhi offering its support to Ukraine in seeking peace amid the ongoing war with Russia. Modi emphasized that India’s stance is not neutral but firmly “on the side of peace.” Modi offered “as a friend” to help bring peace to Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held extensive discussions on Ukraine’s peace plan, which prioritises the importance of maintaining territorial integrity and the withdrawal of Russian forces, as reported by the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Modi informed that, during his visit to Russia last month, he told Russian President Vladimir Putin that conflicts cannot be resolved on the battlefield, reported AP. He added, “The only way of resolving problems is through dialogue and diplomacy.” Modi conveyed this message through a translator during his meeting with Zelenskyy.

On Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed India as a potential host for the second Ukraine peace summit, highlighting the country as one of a select few from the Global South. Zelenskyy shared this proposal directly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“As for the Peace Summit, I believe the second Peace Summit must take place. It would be good if it could be held in one of the Global South countries,” said Zelenskyy. “I told Prime Minister Modi that we could have the Global Peace Summit in India. It’s a big country, it’s a great democracy – the largest one,” Ukrainian President said .