Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Indian PM Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan, on Saturday for the first time since Russia’s invasion last February.
Over the course of the three-day G7 summit, the grouping agreed on additional sanctions against Russia and measures to counter China’s economic coercion, drawing Moscow’s dissatisfaction and a complaint from Beijing to summit-host Japan.
Modi’s Remarks on Ukraine War
Modi stated during the G7 summit’s ‘Working Session 9’ that India would do “everything” to end the Ukraine conflict and added that all countries should “respect” UN member states’ sovereignty and territorial integrity.
As the two leaders sat down for their first direct conversations, Modi told the Ukrainian President, “Over the past one-and-a-half years, we have spoken on the phone, but… after a long time, we have an opportunity to meet. The war in Ukraine is a very big issue for the whole world. It has had many different impacts on the whole world.”
Modi voiced anguish at the destruction inflicted on Ukraine and his wish to help end the hostilities. He went on to say that the war in Ukraine is not merely an “issue of economy or politics, but an issue of humanity.”
The Indian PM said during his discussion with Zelensky, “You know much more than any of us the pain of war, but I could very well understand your pain and the pain of the Ukrainian people when our children narrated the circumstances in your country after they were brought back last year. I want to assure you that India — and personally myself — will certainly do everything that is necessary to resolve this crisis.”
PM Narendra Modi held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the G-7 Summit in #Hiroshima, Japan
— ANI (@ANI) May 20, 2023
(Pics source: PMO) pic.twitter.com/Uh9k1SLGTE
In his opening remarks at the G7 conference, Modi indirectly acknowledged the commodities issue brought on by the war in Ukraine, reflecting the Indian perspective. Modi advocated for natural farming as a fertiliser substitute, and stated that addressing the “political obstacles” developed in the international supply chains for fertiliser is an urgent necessity.
Modi’s Twitter account shared a photo of the two leaders shaking hands, stating that he had assured Zelensky of India’s willingness to provide humanitarian assistance to Ukrainians, and its support for “dialogue and diplomacy” for attaining peace.
#UPDATE A post on Zelensky's Telegram account said he had "thanked India for supporting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country, in particular at the sites of international organisations".
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) May 20, 2023
Read more: https://t.co/qBnTbehyBM
Zelensky Appreciated India’s Assistance
Zelensky thanked India for supporting his country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Zelensky stated on his Telegram channel that both leaders discussed Ukraine’s requirements for mobile hospitals and landmine disposal, and that he urged India to join Ukraine’s peace formula.
The Ukrainian President also briefed the Indian PM on Ukraine’s peace plan, which states that the besieged nation will hold negotiations and peace talks if Russian troops are completely withdrawn from the country. “I thank India for supporting our country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, in particular, at the platforms of international organisations, and for providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine,” Zelensky added.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs released a statement saying, the “PM said that India will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine. President Zelensky briefed the PM on the current situation in Ukraine. Both sides agreed to remain in touch,” adding that Modi also applauded Ukraine’s help in the safe evacuation of Indian students and praised Kyiv’s plan to offer examinations for students in India.
The G7 meeting has provided a clear avenue for nations on the fence to unite to support Ukraine in the war against Russia. French President Emmanuel Macron said the summit was an opportunity to persuade emerging states like India and Brazil to support Ukraine.