Last week, US President Joe Biden called Prime Minister Narendra Modi to praise him for his "message of peace and ongoing humanitarian assistance" to Ukraine.
The 23 August visit by Modi to Kyiv has been widely interpreted as an opportunistic rebalancing act after he visited Russia last month despite criticism from the Biden administration and concern in several Western capitals.
On his visit, Modi called for Ukraine and Russia to enter into dialogue to end the conflict and said India was willing to take an "active role" in peace efforts. During his visit, Modi called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for Ukraine and Russia to enter into dialogue to end the conflict and said India was willing to take an "active role" in peace efforts.
Biden posted on 'X': "I spoke with Prime Minister Modi to discuss his recent trip to Poland and Ukraine, and commended him for his message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine." "We also affirmed our commitment to working together to contribute to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific," said the US president.
It was the first telephonic conversation between the two leaders since the visit of Modi to Russia, Poland, and Ukraine and the recent developments in Bangladesh.
According to the White House readout, it was inclusive of him over trips to Poland and Ukraine, and then later this fall United Nations General Assembly meetings.
"I applaud Prime Minister Modi's message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine, including aid to its energy sector," Biden said as he praised Modi for his pathbreaking visits to Poland and Ukraine. Modi's visit to Ukraine is the first by any Indian prime minister since the last visit by Atal Bihari Vajpayee in September 2000.
The two leaders reaffirmed support for conflict resolution that is based on peaceful ways and means in accordance with international law and the UN Charter. They underlined the commitment of their governments to working in concert through such regional groupings as the Quad to secure peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
Though the White House summary left it unsaid, a related 'X' post from Modi reinforced the sense that their exchange was definitely in the context of Bangladesh. In this, Modi claimed that India stood strongly with respect to supporting efforts in restoring peace and stability, and mentioned the process of discussion on safety and security, particularly with respect to Hindus.
It is obvious from the recent political developments in Bangladesh that India has been lobbying in full capacity for the protection of minorities in the country.
