Washington: The eyes of the world were fixed on the meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ukrainian President Zelensky. America has welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ukraine and said that it can help in ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict. White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby said in a media briefing on Friday, “India is a strong partner for the United States, and the Prime Minister’s visit to Kiev and talks with Ukrainian President Zelensky can be helpful in ending the conflict. This is in line with President Zelensky’s vision of a just peace.
We welcome this initiative
He said, “If any other country is willing to help end the war in Ukraine, we welcome it. But by helping, we mean that it must include a dialogue with the people of Ukraine, and it must begin with understanding what President Zelenskyy thinks about the matter.”
India ready to help in every possible way
During his meeting with Zelenskyy on Friday, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s principled position and commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. He also reiterated India’s readiness to contribute in “all possible ways” to an early return of peace in the region.
Meaningful talks with Zelenskyy: PM Modi
After bilateral talks in Kyiv, Prime Minister Modi said, “My visit to Ukraine was historic. I have come to this great nation with the aim of deepening India-Ukraine friendship. I had a meaningful conversation with President Zelenskyy. India firmly believes that peace must always prevail. I thank the Government and people of Ukraine for welcoming me.”
Thanked for helping in safe evacuation of Indian students
Prime Minister Modi thanked Zelensky and the Ukrainian authorities for their assistance and support in evacuating Indian students from the country a few weeks after the war began in February 2022. A joint statement issued after the delegation-level talks said the two leaders emphasised the need for “sincere and pragmatic engagement” between all parties to develop solutions that would be widely accepted and contribute to the early restoration of peace. It also said the two leaders would work on elevating bilateral relations from a comprehensive partnership to a strategic partnership in the future.
