PM Modi meets Ukrainian President Zelensky in Hiroshima

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) meeting in Japan’s Hiroshima on Saturday.

This was the first meeting between the two leaders after the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022.

“Ukraine war is a big issue in the world. I don’t consider it to be just an issue of economy or politics. For me, it is an issue of humanity. India and I will do whatever we can for resolution of war,” news agency ANI tweeted PM Modi as saying.

Zelensky is attending the Summit at the special invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

“Important meetings with partners and friends of Ukraine. Security and enhanced cooperation for our victory. Peace will become closer today,” Zelenskyy tweeted after his arrival in Japan.

India has been batting for peace in the region and has repeatedly stated that it remains deeply concerned at the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine.

Since the launch of Moscow’s ‘Special Military Operation’ in Ukraine on 24 February last year, India has explained its consistent position that allows it to reach out to both sides to find a solution to the conflict through diplomacy and dialogue.

At the same time, the Indian government continues to send tonnes of humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, including essential medicines and medical equipment.

PM Modi’s “today’s era isn’t of war” statement during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Samarkand last September was also endorsed during the G20 joint declaration at Bali in Indonesia.