Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) summit, reaffirming India's steadfast support for peace and diplomacy amid the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Prior to this, he paid a historic visit to Ukraine at President Zelenskyy's invitation, which was the first time an Indian prime minister had traveled there since the two countries' diplomatic relations were established in 1992. The conversation centered around the pressing need for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine-Russia war, with both leaders stressing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s stance on the conflict, emphasizing that peace is the only viable solution. "India stands firmly with the cause of peace. We continue to urge for dialogue, diplomacy, and respect for sovereignty as the foundation for lasting peace in the region," Modi stated.
President Zelensky expressed his appreciation for India’s balanced approach and support, particularly in humanitarian efforts. Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to provide humanitarian aid to the war-torn country, including medicines, food supplies, and other essential resources.
The meeting in New York comes at a time when Ukraine is seeking broader international backing as the war with Russia enters a prolonged phase. India, as a major global player with strong relations with both Ukraine and Russia, holds a unique position in advocating for peace on the global stage.
While no major announcements were made following the discussions, the meeting signals the continuation of India’s diplomatic efforts to bridge the gap between conflicting sides and promote a peaceful solution. Prime Minister Modi's engagement with world leaders, including President Zelensky, underscores India's growing role in global diplomacy and its commitment to fostering peace and stability in the international community