India not neutral but on side of peace, says PM Modi on Russia-Ukraine conflict

Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during a joint press statement with US President Donald Trump after their meeting at the White House, in Washington, DC on Thursday.
| Photo Credit: Reuters

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the efforts made by U.S. President Donald Trump towards resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict and reiterated India’s position that the conflict should be resolved on the negotiating table.

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He also reiterated that India’s stance in the conflict is not neutral, but rather it is on the side of peace. The Prime Minister emphasised that he has himself met leaders of both Russia and Ukraine and also pointed to his ‘this is not an era of war’ remark that he made in the presence of Russian President Putin.

“I have always been in close contact with Russia and Ukraine. I have met the leaders of both countries. Many people are in a misconception that India is neutral, but I want to reiterate that India is not neutral; we are on a side, and that is peace,” PM Modi said in a joint presser on Thursday.

He further reiterated India’s position that a solution to the conflict can’t be found on the battlefield, and also appreciated the efforts of President Donald Trump in the directions.

“I have said that ‘this is not a time of war’ in front of the media when President Putin was with me. Even today, my conviction is that the solutions to war cannot be found on the battlefield, and ultimately, we have to be at the table,” PM Modi said.

He added, “India believes that the solution to the war can be found only when the issue is discussed in a forum where both countries (Russia and Ukraine) will be present. The efforts made by President Trump – I support, and welcome it. I hope he succeeds as soon as possible.”

He added, “When I met President Putin, in the presence of media, I had told that this is not the era of war and I have firm conviction that problems cannot be solved on the battlefield. The two sides will have to come to the negotiating table. We support every effort done to bring peace, we support all We appreciate all the efforts taken by Trump.”