New York/New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in New York on Monday, exactly a month after the two leaders had met in Kyiv, and reiterated India’s willingness to play a constructive role in the quest for a peaceful resolution of the dragging Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
Prime Minister Modi also reiterated India’s stand of engagement between all stakeholders -- meaning both parties – Ukraine and Russia – should sit down to thrash out matters in order to find a peaceful resolution. He said that India is open to provide all support to facilitate a lasting and peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The MEA spokesperson said in a post on X:
“PM @narendramodi met President @ZelenskyyUa of Ukraine, today on the sidelines of UNGA in New York.
“The leaders exchanged views on bilateral ties. They also discussed the situation in Ukraine. PM reiterated India's willingness to play a constructive role in the quest for a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.”
A media statement said:
“Prime Minister Modi held a bilateral meeting with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on September 23, on the sidelines of the Summit of the Future in New York.
The two leaders recalled Prime Minister’s recent visit to Ukraine and expressed satisfaction at the continued consolidation of bilateral ties. The situation in Ukraine as well as the way forward on pursuing a path to peace also figured prominently in their discussions.
Prime Minister 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.
He conveyed that India remains open to provide all support within its means to facilitate a lasting and peaceful resolution of the conflict.
This was the third meeting between the two leaders in little over three months. The two leaders agreed to remain in close touch."
PM’s meeting with Zelenskyy comes as he stated in the UNGA’s Summit for Peace that “Success of Humanity lies in our collective strength, not in the battlefield”.
India has stated that resolution of the conflict can not be found on the battlefield, and has reiterated its stand of dialogue and diplomacy as the only means to resolve the conflict, with both parties sitting across the table to discuss matters.
PM Modi was in Kyiv on August 23 in the first visit by an Indian PM to Ukraine, during which he also offered any help in his personal capacity to find a resolution of the conflict.
PM's visit to Ukraine and his talks with Zelenskyy, just over a month after he met with President Putin in Moscow, was discussed during his meeting with the US President Joe Biden during their bilateral in Delaware on September 21.
