In a first bi-lateral meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) Summit in Japan’s Hiroshima, since the start of Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Table of Contents
PM Modi highlights that the clash of Russia and Ukraine can only be dealt with dialogue and diplomacy as the dispute between the two is an “issue of humanity” and not that of economical or political. The war is a massive issue for all, affecting “the world in several ways”, he added.
He assures that “India, and I in my personal strength would do whatever we can” to control the war situation and is ready to contribute to any “peace efforts” – as heard by Prime Minister Modi in a video clip shared by news agency ANI.
India maintaines a cautious approach
India has long been a significant customer of Russian arms and has close ties with Moscow. It has also increased its imports of Russian energy, giving a critical economic lifeline to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s government even as the West imposes stringent constraints on this crucial cash stream.
Despite sending humanitarian aid to Ukraine during the war, New Delhi has refused to sign UN resolutions demanding for its departure and denouncing its incursion.
Analysts believe that gaining support or understanding from leaders such as Modi is a crucial incentive for Zelensky’s attendance at the G7. Indonesia, Australia, Brazil, Korea, and Vietnam are among the other nations taking part.
In Modi’s case, tight relations to Russia might entail the ability to exert pressure on Putin while also benefiting from it.
Zelensky not invited for G20 meet?
Foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra told that the Ukrainian president was not invited for the G20 Summit that India is going to host in September,2023. No discussion was made on that issue in the meeting, he added.
Zelensky had thanked Modi for expressing his concern over the country’s “territorial integrity and sovereignty” and for extending “humanitarian aid” to Ukraine.
However, the duo had several conversations over the phone, since their last meet on the sidelines of the Glasglow Climate Conference in 2021.
India to host Quad Summit in 2024: Indo-Pacific boost
On the sidelines of the G7 meet, Modi announced that India would host the Quad summit next year, Australia, Japan and the U.S being the other three members along with India.
President Joseph R. Biden of the United States, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, met for the third in-person Summit, hosted by PM Albanese on 20th May.
The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is a diplomatic partnership of four countries which commits to promote stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
