Prioritised civilian safety, supply of aid to Ukraine: PM Modi tells Biden at virtual meet
India Today
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, there has been some disquiet in Washington over India's position on the Ukraine crisis as well as its decision to procure discounted Russian oil.
India placed importance on the safety of the civilian population in Ukraine and the uninterrupted supply of humanitarian aid to them, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said during his virtual meeting with US President Joe Biden. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, there has been some disquiet in Washington over India's position on the Ukraine crisis as well as its decision to procure discounted Russian oil.
Elaborating further on India’s reaction to the war, PM Modi said, “I spoke on the phone several times with the Presidents of both Ukraine and Russia. Not only did I appeal for peace, but I also suggested President Putin hold direct talks with the President of Ukraine. The subject of Ukraine has also been discussed in great detail in our Parliament.”
“We have also placed importance on the safety of the civilian population in Ukraine and the uninterrupted supply of humanitarian aid to them. On our behalf, we have sent medicines and other relief materials to Ukraine and its neighboring countries. And on the demand of Ukraine, we are sending another consignment of medicines very soon.”
“When I came to Washington in September last year, you said that India-US partnership can contribute to the solution to many global problems. I completely agree with you. As the world's two largest and oldest democracies, we are natural partners,” the prime minister said, hinting at the growing roles of the two countries in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
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The two leaders had last interacted in March when they were joined by other Quad leaders, Australia and Japan.
On Sunday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), while announcing the meeting, said that it will “enable both sides to continue their regular and high-level engagement aimed at further strengthening the bilateral comprehensive global strategic partnership”.
