Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Ukraine on Friday. He met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the capital Kyiv. During this, PM Modi said, ‘The second path we have chosen is to stay away from war. We have very firmly stayed away from war, but this does not mean that we were not neutral. We have been a party from day one and our side is peace, we come from the land of Buddha where there is no place for war.’ He said that we come from the land of Mahatma Gandhi who gave the message of peace to the whole world.
PM Modi said, ‘When it was the initial days of the war, you helped in evacuating Indian citizens and students. I express my gratitude to you for your help in this time of crisis. The world knows very well that during the war we played 2 roles. The first role was of humanitarian approach.’ He said that I assure you that whatever will be needed from the humanitarian point of view, India will always stand with you and will be two steps ahead.
‘When I met President Putin…’
Narendra Modi said, ‘You and the people of Ukraine also know that India has been actively contributing to peace efforts. You know that our approach has been people-centric. I want to assure you and the entire world community that this is India’s commitment. We believe that respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is paramount for us. We support this. Some time ago, when I met President Putin in support of this, I told him that this is not the time for war. Recently, when I went to Russia for a meeting, I also said there in clear words that no problem is ever solved on the battlefield. The solution is only through dialogue, dialogue and diplomacy. We should move forward in that direction without wasting time. Both sides should sit together and find ways to come out of this crisis.’
‘Ready to play a role in every effort for peace’
PM Modi said that today I want to specifically discuss peace and the way forward with you on the soil of Ukraine. I want to assure you that India is ready to play an active role in every effort for peace. If I can personally contribute to this, I would definitely like to do so. As a friend, I assure you of this. He said, ‘Today I have brought the sentiments of 140 crore Indians to Ukraine. The sentiments of 140 crore Indians are inspired by humanity. Today I have brought a message of peace to the soil of Ukraine.’
‘Historic day for India-Ukraine relations’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, ‘I express my heartfelt gratitude to you (President Volodymyr Zelensky) for the warmth with which you welcomed me and my delegation even in this painful situation. Today is a very historic day for the relations between India and Ukraine.’ He said that for the first time a Prime Minister of India has come to Ukraine, which is a historic event in itself. Tomorrow is your National Day and we congratulate you for this. We pray for peace, happiness and prosperity (in Ukraine).
