Zelensky trusts Modi, meeting for the third time in 3 months

Russia-Ukraine War: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in New York on Monday. This was the second meeting of the two leaders in a month. Earlier, PM Modi visited Ukraine on August 23, which was the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine. During this visit, PM Modi reiterated India's commitment to bring peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

India's role for peacekeeping

In the meeting, Prime Minister Modi again expressed India's desire that India is ready to make every possible contribution to the resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He assured India's support to restore peace and stability in Ukraine in talks with President Zelensky. PM Modi tweeted, "Met Ukrainian President Zelensky in New York. We are committed to implementing the results of the Ukraine visit to strengthen bilateral relations."

Bilateral talks and future strategy

According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the meeting with Prime Minister Modi was requested by Ukraine. This was the third meeting of the two leaders in the last three months. During this, many issues were discussed, although there was no discussion on Russian oil in this particular meeting. In the conversation, PM Modi told Zelensky that he has always talked about walking on the path of peace, and considered it necessary for sustainable development.

Support to international law and UN Charter

A joint statement issued after the meeting said that India and Ukraine expressed commitment to take bilateral relations towards a strategic partnership. Both the leaders emphasized on maintaining the principles of international law, especially respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states.

Importance of peace talks and diplomacy

Emphasizing diplomatic efforts for peace establishment in Ukraine, both the leaders focused on peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. Under this, India participated in the Ukrainian Peace Summit held in Burgenstock, Switzerland in June 2024. The Ukrainian side welcomed India's participation and emphasized high-level Indian participation in the next peace summit.

Global concerns over Ukraine conflict

Concerns are also being expressed globally over the Ukraine conflict. After a meeting hosted by US President Joe Biden on September 21, the Quad leaders issued a joint statement, supporting the principles of international law and the UN Charter. It also raised concerns over the humanitarian and global economic impacts of the Ukraine war. He also underlined the negative impacts of the war on food and energy security on developing countries.

Concerns over the use of nuclear weapons

The Quad leaders called the use or threat of nuclear weapons unacceptable. During this, PM Modi discussed the importance of global stability and peace with other Quad leaders. PM Modi was on a three-day US visit, where he participated in several bilateral meetings with President Biden and other key leaders.

This meeting has further strengthened India's diplomatic role in the Russia-Ukraine war, and can prove to be an important step towards further deepening relations between the two countries.