Indian PM calls for 'return to peace' ahead of Ukraine visit
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi has called for a “return to peace” ahead of a visit to Ukraine. Modi is due to meet Polish prime minister Donald Tusk in Poland on Thursday before travelling to Ukraine on Friday, where he will meet president Volodymyr Zelensky.
“As a friend and partner, we hope for a rapid return to peace and stability in the region,” Modi said in a statement.
Modi’s visit to Ukraine is the first by an Indian prime minister in 30 years. He intends to discuss “prospects for peaceful resolution of the ongoing Ukrainian conflict”, as well as “deepening friendship between India and Ukraine”.
Modi recently angered Zelensky by hugging Vladimir Putin during a visit to Moscow. He has avoided explicitly condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and India has abstained on UN resolutions targeting Moscow, with which it has historical ties.
"As a friend and partner, we hope for a rapid return to peace and stability in the region"
Meanwhile, Moscow was targeted overnight by a major Ukrainian drone attack, mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Wednesday. According to the Russian Defence ministry, 11 drones were shot down over the region during the night. There were no injuries or damage.
“This is one of the largest attempted drone attacks ever carried out against Moscow,” Sobyanin said in a statement on Telegram.
Russia has been facing an unprecedented Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk border region since 6 August.
Narendra Modi addresses the nation during Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort in Delhi, 15 August 2024 © PHOTO NAVEEN SHARMA/SOPA IMAGES VIA ZUMA PRESS WIRE
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