PM Modi advocates for peace amidst escalating Russia-Ukraine conflict

New Delhi, Aug 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks with the Russian president on the phone, on Tuesday, a day after he spoke with the US President on the Phone. On Twitter, Modi shared insights from his conversation with President Putin, stating, “Spoke with President Putin today. Discussed measures to further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Exchanged perspectives on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and my insights from the recent visit to Ukraine. Reiterated India’s firm commitment to support an early, abiding, and peaceful resolution of the conflict.”

This dialogue comes at a crucial time as Russia intensifies its military actions against Ukraine. The latest wave of strikes for the second-day running has resulted in several casualties, with at least six people killed yesterday and four today in the last two days of attacks.

Ukraine’s air defence forces have reported that the entire country is under threat from ballistic missile attacks, further escalating the situation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed to respond decisively to these aggressions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently engaged in high-level discussions with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Joe Biden, emphasizing India’s proactive stance in promoting peace amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

In a series of communications, Modi reiterated India’s commitment to a peaceful resolution, drawing on his recent experiences in the conflict zones.

In a separate call yesterday with U.S. President Joe Biden, Modi continued to advocate for peace, focusing on both the regional and global implications of the conflict. “Spoke to @POTUS @JoeBiden on the phone today. We had a detailed exchange of views on various regional and global issues, including the situation in Ukraine. I reiterated India’s full support for the early return of peace and stability,”

Modi tweeted. He also expressed concern over the situation in Bangladesh, highlighting the need for the early restoration of normalcy and the protection of minority communities, particularly Hindus.

Prime Minister Modi’s involvement in these diplomatic efforts follows his recent visits to both Ukraine and Russia. Last week, Modi returned from a brief but important diplomatic visit to Kyiv, where he spent approximately seven hours amidst the ongoing conflict.

His visit to Moscow earlier this month included a meeting with President Putin, during which Modi offered to facilitate peace talks, underscoring that “dialogue and diplomacy are the only paths to ending the conflict.” He emphasized India’s longstanding commitment to peace, symbolized by his visit to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Kyiv.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiments, reinforcing India’s dedication to achieving peace. “Anything we can do to help—whether upfront, behind the scenes, or in a supportive capacity—it is the objective we are interested in rather than the process,” Jaishankar stated. “We are willing to do whatever we can because we do think that the continuation of this conflict is terrible for Ukraine, obviously, and for the world as well.”

Modi’s direct engagement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, With Russian President Putin and US President Joe Biden respectively further solidifies India’s active role in seeking a resolution.

Earlier on his visit to Ukraine, Modi urged Zelenskyy to consider dialogue with Russia, offering India’s support as a “friend” in facilitating peace. His visit marked the first by an Indian prime minister to Ukraine in modern history.

As the violence continues to escalate, with Russia launching renewed drone and missile attacks in retaliation for Kyiv’s cross-border incursions, Prime Minister Modi’s diplomatic efforts highlight India’s commitment to a peaceful and lasting resolution to the conflict. His recent visits and ongoing discussions with high-profile leaders highlight India’s unique position as a potential mediator, advocating for non-violence and diplomatic solutions on the global stage.