PM Modi discusses Ukraine crisis with French President Macron, Poland’s President Duda & EC chief Michel

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<strong>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday discussed the crisis in Ukraine with French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish President Andrzej Duda and European Council President Charles Michel, and shared India’s concerns over the issue.</strong></p>
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He emphasised India’s consistent appeal for “cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue and diplomacy” during his conversation with all three leaders, according to official statements.</p>
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President Macron and Prime Minister Modi shared their “concerns over continuing hostilities and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Ukraine,” according to an official statement.</p>
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PM Modi stressed India’s belief that respect for international law, the UN Charter and the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states “underpin the contemporary world order”.</p>
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Modi welcomed the talks between Ukraine and Russia and stressed the importance of “ensuring free and uninterrupted humanitarian access and smooth movement of all people”. He briefed Macron about India’s efforts to evacuate its citizens from conflict areas and to send urgent relief supplies, including medicines, for the affected people in the country.</p>
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke on phone with the President of Poland, Mr Andrzej Duda, and thanked him for the assistance provided by Poland in evacuation of Indian citizens from Ukraine, and for the special gesture of relaxing visa requirements for Indian citizens crossing over to Poland from Ukraine.</p>
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He expressed his particular appreciation for the warm reception and facilitation extended by Polish citizens to Indian nationals at this difficult time.</p>
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Alluding to the traditional friendly relations between the two countries, the Prime Minister recalled the assistance offered by Poland in the wake of the Gujarat earthquake in 2001.  He also recollected the exemplary role played by the Maharaja of Jamnagar in rescuing several Polish families and young orphans during the Second World War.</p>
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The Prime Minister informed President Duda that General (Dr.) V.K. Singh (Retd.), Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways and Civil Aviation, would be stationed in Poland as his special envoy, to oversee the evacuation efforts of Indian citizens.</p>
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PM Modi also spoke on phone Mr Charles Michel, President of the European Council.</p>
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The Prime Minister expressed his anguish over the deteriorating situation and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. He reiterated India’s appeal for cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue.</p>
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The Prime Minister stressed that the contemporary global order was anchored on international law, UN Charter and respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states.</p>
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The Prime Minister also spoke about efforts being made by India to send urgent relief supplies, including medicines, to the affected areas.</p>
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