The UN Secretary-General expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s forthcoming visit to Ukraine will aid in resolving the ongoing conflict, as conveyed by his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, on Thursday.
In response to inquiries about Modi’s trip to Ukraine amidst the ongoing war, Dujarric remarked, “Numerous heads of state and government have visited the region, and we hope these efforts will advance us towards ending the conflict in accordance with General Assembly resolutions, international law, and the principles of territorial integrity.”
The General Assembly has issued at least three resolutions calling for an end to the Russian invasion and another demanding a halt to attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure. India has abstained from voting on these resolutions.
Prime Minister Modi is set to visit Ukraine on Friday for talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky. This visit follows Modi’s recent trip to Russia, where he engaged in discussions about the situation in Ukraine with President Vladimir Putin.
Reports suggest that Modi will serve as an intermediary, relaying messages between Ukraine and Russia.
A joint statement from India and Russia at the conclusion of Modi’s visit to Moscow emphasized the necessity of resolving the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, highlighting engagement between both parties.
The statement also vaguely noted, “They acknowledged with appreciation relevant mediation proposals and good offices aimed at a peaceful resolution of the conflict in line with international law and the complete adherence to the UN Charter.”
Although India has maintained a neutral stance by abstaining from condemning Russia’s invasion at the UN, Prime Minister Modi has voiced criticism. During a meeting with Putin in Samarkand in 2022, Modi stated, “I know that today’s era is not of war and we have talked to you many times over the phone on the subject that democracy and diplomacy and dialogue are all these things that touch the world.”
On the day of Modi’s arrival in Moscow last July, a Russian missile strike targeted a children’s hospital in Ukraine. Reacting to this, Modi said, “Whether it is war, conflict or a terrorist attack, any person who believes in humanity is pained when there is loss of lives. But even in that, when innocent children are killed, the heart bleeds and that pain is very terrifying.”
Since the beginning of Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Modi and Zelensky have communicated multiple times by phone. After a discussion in March, Modi posted on X that he “conveyed India’s consistent support for all efforts for peace and bringing an early end to the ongoing conflict. India will continue to provide humanitarian assistance guided by our people-centric approach.”
In response, Zelensky stated on X that “Ukraine is interested in strengthening our trade and economic ties with India, particularly in agricultural exports, aviation cooperation, and pharmaceutical and industrial product trade.”
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