India Never Neutral In Russia-Ukraine War, On Side Of Peace: PM Modi To Zelensky

New Delhi: Ukraine had expected India to play a more active role in its war with Russia.

During his historic visit to Ukraine, the first ever by an Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi made it clear to President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday that India never took a neutral stance in the war which was started by Russia in February 2022.

“India was never neutral in this war, we are on the side of peace,” Modi told Zelensky during their meeting in Kyiv.

Stressing on India’s consistent efforts in advocating dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict, Modi reiterated India’s position that the solution was not war and violence. The Indian PM highlighted the importance of engaging in constructive discussions to ensure stability in the region.

Modi, who shook hands with Zelensky before hugging him when they met earlier in the day, toured the war-torn country’s Martyrologist Exposition.

In a gesture to show India’s solidarity with Ukraine, Modi’s hand remained firmly on a sombre-looking Zelensky’s shoulder.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is part of Modi’s entourage, told mediapersons in Kyiv that the PM has invited Zelensky to visit India, and hoped that the Ukrainian President will travel to New Delhi as per his convenience.

Describing Modi’s Ukraine visit as a “landmark” event, Jaishankar said that much of the conversation between the two leaders revolved around the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

“Most of the time the PM and Zelensky spent on talks was on the conflict,” Jaishankar said, with the discussion revolved around the current military situation, potential pathways to peace and possible resolutions to the conflict.

“It was a very detailed, open, and constructive discussion,” Jaishankar stated.

India handed over 22 tonnes of medical support equipment to Ukraine.

“Today, we handed over cubes containing medical support equipment to Ukraine,” Jaishankar said, highlighting India’s ongoing humanitarian support to the battered country.

India’s energy trade with Russia, a topic of great geopolitical interest, also came up, and the visiting delegation explained its position on the matter.