PM Modi reiterated India's willingness to contribute in peaceful resolution of Russia-Ukraine conflict: S Jaishankar
Kyiv/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India's willingness to contribute through "dialogue and diplomacy" to resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Friday.
Jaishankar said PM Modi stressed "India's willingness to contribute in all ways possible".
The two leaders also discussed PM Modi's conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting in Moscow in July, he added.
Highlights from a very special visit to Ukraine, a valued friend of India’s. pic.twitter.com/0LuQ6vm5Iw
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 23, 2024
"It is India's view that the two sides need to engage with each other to find a solution," Jaishankar said.
PM Modi is on a historic visit to Ukraine, which is reeling under the shadow of a long-drawn war with Russia.
It's the first-ever visit by an Indian prime minister after Ukraine became independent in 1991.
"This is a landmark visit. It's the first time that an Indian PM has visited Ukraine since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992. PM arrived by a special train in the morning and he was received by the First Deputy Foreign Minister at the Kyiv railway station. He met the Indian community," Jaishankar said in a media briefing.
"The Prime Minister also discussed his conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin," added the Foreign Minister.
During his meeting with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, PM Modi said India never took a neutral stance in the ongoing conflict with Russia but was always on the side of peace.
"However, we want to say that India was never neutral in its stance and from the very first day we were on the side of peace," he said during his discussion with the President.
President @ZelenskyyUa and I had very productive discussions in Kyiv today. India is eager to deepen economic linkages with Ukraine. We discussed ways to boost cooperation in agriculture, technology, pharma and other such sectors. We also agreed to further cement cultural… pic.twitter.com/EOrRyHeNX7
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 23, 2024
Following his meeting with Zelenskyy, Modi said he discussed ways to boost cooperation in various sectors including agriculture, technology, pharma, among others.
We also had discussions about the ongoing conflict. It is of topmost importance that peace be maintained. A peaceful solution to the conflict is best for humanity. pic.twitter.com/7nv7SjkvbQ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 23, 2024
Earlier in the day, Modi visited the multimedia Martyrologist exposition on children at the National Museum of History of Ukraine in Kyiv and condoled the death of the young victims of the ongoing war with Russia.
President @ZelenskyyUa and I paid homage at the Martyrologist Exposition in Kyiv.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 23, 2024
Conflict is particularly devastating for young children. My heart goes out to the families of children who lost their lives, and I pray that they find the strength to endure their grief. pic.twitter.com/VQH1tun5ok
The Indian PM said he was deeply touched by the poignant exposition set up in memory of children who have lost their lives in the conflict.
PM Modi was accompanied by Volodymyr Zelenskyy whom he hugged and consoled as both the leaders turned emotional at the memorial.
The Indian PM also paid tribute to a memorial statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Kyiv.
Modi, earlier in the day, arrived in Ukraine at the invitation of Zelenskyy.
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