The United States has welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ukraine and termed it helpful in resolving the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
"India is a strong partner for the United States, and the Prime Minister is as well. And. him going to Kyiv and having conversations with President Zelensky about where all this ends and how it ends — if that can be helpful to getting us to an end to the conflict that comports with President Zelensky's vision for a just peace, well, then we think that would be helpful," White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby said on Friday when asked at a media briefing whether he sees PM Modi's visit potentially being productive or not.
"If there's another country out there that is willing to be helpful in terms of trying to end the war in Ukraine, we welcome that. But by being helpful, we mean it's got to include conversations with the Ukrainians, and it's got to start from an understanding of where President Zelensky is on this," he said.
In his talks to Zelensky on Friday, PM Modi reiterated that India, from the very beginning, has been committed to a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict through a process of dialogue and diplomacy. He underlined the ready willingness of India to extend all help which would facilitate an early restoration of peace in the region.
"My visit to Ukraine is historic. I came to this great nation with a view to deepening the India-Ukraine friendship. I had productive talks with President Zelensky. India firmly believes that peace must always prevail. I am grateful to the Government and people of Ukraine for their hospitality," PM Modi said after the bilateral discussions in Kyiv.
The Prime Minister also thanked Zelensky and the Ukrainian authorities for facilitating the evacuation of Indian students from the war zone to safe locations soon after the outbreak of war in February 2022.
A joint statement issued after the one-on-one and delegation-level talks said, "Both leaders emphasised the need for sincere and practical engagement of all parties to evolve creative solutions which are broadly representative and conducive to an early restoration of peace."
It also said, "Both leaders shared an interest in upgrading the bilateral relationship from a comprehensive partnership to a strategic partnership in the future.".
Read also | India and US Sign Two Key Deals During Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's Washington Visit
Read also | Harris Vows to Ensure America, Not China, Wins the 'Competition for the 21st Century'
