Washington: The US has wholeheartedly greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ukraine, stating that it may prove beneficial in resolving the continuing crisis between Russia and Ukraine.
“India is a strong partner for the United States, and the Prime Minister is as well. And, … him going to Kyiv and having conversations with (Ukraine) President (Volodymyr) Zelensky about where this all ends and how it ends — if that can be helpful to getting us to an end to the conflict that comports with President Zelensky’s vision for a just peace, well, then we think that would be helpful,” White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby said on Friday when asked at a media briefing whether he sees PM Modi’s visit potentially being productive or not.
“If there’s another country out there that is willing to be helpful in terms of trying to end the war in Ukraine, we welcome that. But by being helpful, we mean it’s got to include conversations with the Ukrainians, and it’s got to start from an understanding of where President Zelensky is on this,” he said.
During his talks with Zelensky earlier on Friday, PM Modi reiterated India’s stance and commitment to a diplomatic and dialogue-based peaceful resolution of the continuing Russia-Ukraine crisis. Additionally, he reaffirmed India’s willingness to help in “all possible ways” to hasten the reestablishing of peace in the area.
“My visit to Ukraine was historic. I came to this great nation with the aim of deepening India-Ukraine friendship. I had productive talks with President Zelensky. India firmly believes that peace must always prevail. I thank the Government and people of Ukraine for their hospitality,” said PM Modi after the bilateral discussions in Kyiv.
A few weeks after the fighting started in February 2022, Prime Minister Modi also praised Zelensky and the Ukrainian authorities for their assistance and support in ensuring the safe evacuation of Indian students from the combat zone.
According to a joint statement released following the one-on-one and delegation-level meetings, both leaders emphasised the need for “sincere and practical engagement” among all parties to seek creative ideas that would be broadly embraced and contribute to the prompt restoration of peace.
It further said that the two leaders had conveyed a shared desire to enhance bilateral ties in the future from a comprehensive partnership to a strategic partnership.
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–IANS
(Pic credit: videograb@ X)
