Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi in detail on his ‘Peace Formula’ and invited India to join the implementation of this initiative in the ongoing conflict against Russia.
Zelensky, who arrived in Japan’s Hiroshima on Saturday to participate in the ongoing G7 Summit met PM Modi and thanked India for providing humanitarian aid to Kyiv.
This was the first meeting between the two leaders after the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022.
Zelensky’s office said after the meeting that the Ukrainian President thanked India “for supporting the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty”, in particular, at the platforms of international organisations.
He spoke about Ukraine’s needs in humanitarian demining and mobile hospitals.
“The war brought many crisis and suffering. Deported children, mined territories, destroyed cities, destroyed destinies,” Zelensky said.
Prime Minister Modi noted that the conflict in Ukraine has had a significant impact on the whole world. He, however, stressed that for him, this is not a political or economic issue but an issue of humanity, of human values.
PM @narendramodi met President @ZelenskyyUa of Ukraine in Hiroshima. pic.twitter.com/yIAP1A1Zd3
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) May 20, 2023
India has been batting for peace in the region and has repeatedly stated that it remains deeply concerned at the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine.
Since the launch of Moscow’s ‘Special Military Operation’ in Ukraine on 24 February last year, India has explained its consistent position that allows it to reach out to both sides to find a solution to the conflict through diplomacy and dialogue.
At the same time, the Indian government continues to send tonnes of humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, including essential medicines and medical equipment.
PM Modi’s “today’s era isn’t of war” statement during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Samarkand last September was also endorsed during the G20 joint declaration at Bali in Indonesia.
Met President @ZelenskyyUa in Hiroshima. Conveyed our clear support for dialogue and diplomacy to find a way forward. We will continue extending humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/1srbIIJUB3
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 20, 2023
On Saturday, PM Modi once again conveyed India’s clear support for dialogue and diplomacy to find a way forward. He said that for a resolution of the situation, India and he personally would do everything within the means.
PM Modi also appreciated Ukraine’s cooperation in the safe evacuation of Indian students and welcomed the decision by Ukrainian institutions to hold examination in India for the students.
As Zelensky briefed him on the current situation, PM Modi assured the Ukrainian President that India will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine.
Zelensky is attending the Group of Seven Summit at the special invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
“Important meetings with partners and friends of Ukraine. Security and enhanced cooperation for our victory. Peace will become closer today,” Zelenskyy tweeted after his arrival in Japan.
