Indian PM calls for end to war through 'dialogue and diplomacy' on Kyiv visit
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi said during a visit to Kyiv on Friday that his country is ready to contribute to ending the war in Ukraine through "dialogue and diplomacy". He also pledged humanitarian aid.
"Although we, with full conviction, did not interfere in the war, it does not mean that we were indifferent," Modi said during a visit to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky. "We strongly support peace. (...) We expect both sides to work towards a solution."
"Although we, with full conviction, did not interfere in the war, it does not mean that we were indifferent"
Modi's visit is historic as it is the first time an Indian leader has visited Ukraine since the former Soviet republic gained independence in 1991. The visit is part of Modi's attempt to improve relations with the West. India has traditionally enjoyed good relations with Russia, and Zelensky recently criticised Modi's visit to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Humanitarian assistance
With the war dragging on and no diplomatic solution in sight, Modi promised to help Ukraine. "Whatever humanitarian assistance is needed, India will always be with you and will do everything to support you," he said.
India, which has not explicitly condemned the Russian invasion, favours resolving the conflict through dialogue, but has not yet made any practical proposals.
"No problem can be solved on the battlefield. The loss of innocent people on battlefields is humanity's greatest challenge," Modi said on the day before his departure for Kyiv.
© PHOTO SERGEI SUPINSKY / AFP
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