During his recent visit to the United States, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The meeting, a significant step in ongoing diplomatic efforts, focused on strengthening bilateral ties and finding a path towards peace in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. This meeting marks the third encounter between the two leaders in just three months, demonstrating the heightened attention given to the conflict and its global ramifications.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace talks, with PM Modi highlighting the global consensus among leaders for a ceasefire and restoration of peace in Ukraine. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, in a briefing following PM Modi’s US visit, emphasized that President Zelenskyy expressed appreciation for India’s active engagement in the crisis, particularly PM Modi’s recent visit to Ukraine, aimed at fostering peace and a pathway to resolution.
The meeting, at the request of the Ukrainian side, served as an opportunity to assess recent developments in the war and explore avenues for cooperation. Both leaders recognized the positive momentum in their bilateral relationship and committed to implementing the outcomes of PM Modi’s visit to Ukraine last month.
India’s proactive stance in mediating peace was further emphasized by Foreign Secretary Misri. He highlighted PM Modi’s continued engagement with both Russian President Putin and US President Biden, along with the recent visit to Russia by India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Misri emphasized that PM Modi’s consistent message has been to prioritize peace and sustainable development, recognizing that ongoing conflict hampers progress.
In his meeting with President Zelenskyy, PM Modi also reiterated that India has been actively engaged in discussions with global leaders to find a way to bring about a ceasefire and end the conflict. PM Modi’s message of peace and dialogue was further echoed in a post on X (formerly Twitter), where he stated India’s support for a swift resolution to the conflict and the restoration of peace and stability in Ukraine.
President Zelenskyy, in a statement following the meeting, highlighted the focus on enhancing collaboration at international platforms like the UN and G20, implementing Ukraine’s Peace Formula, and preparing for the second Peace Summit. He praised PM Modi for his unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
This latest meeting underscores India’s ongoing efforts to facilitate peace and dialogue in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, highlighting its role as a key player in global diplomacy and its commitment to a peaceful resolution.
