PM Modi Promotes Dialogue at G-7 Summit, Meets Global Leaders Including Zelenskyy
NEW DELHI: “India believes in a human-centric approach and continues to encourage peaceful resolution of the (Russia-Ukraine) conflict through dialogue and diplomacy,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday in a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G-7 summit in the Apulia region of Italy. Earlier in the day, Mr Modi also had bilateral meetings with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron.
During his meeting with the Ukrainian President, the Prime Minister reiterated that India will continue to do everything within its means to support a peaceful solution.
Both leaders also discussed the agenda of the Peace Summit on the conflict to be hosted by Switzerland this weekend, with Mr Zelenskyy thanking Mr Modi for the “expected presence of the (Indian) high-level delegation at the event”.
India had earlier this week announced it will participate in the Peace Summit but has not yet officially disclosed the level of its participation.
The Ukranian President raised the “possibility of exchanging experience in the use of new technologies in agriculture” and also “spoke about the functioning of the Black Sea transport corridor, which makes it possible to increase exports of sunflower oil to India and turnover of other categories of goods”.
Footage of the meeting showed both leaders warmly shaking hands and embracing each other. Both were accompanied by their respective delegations at the meeting.
In its statement, New Delhi said, “Mr Modi thanked Mr Zelenskyy for his warm wishes on his assuming office for the third term. Both leaders had a productive meeting in which they discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations. They also exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine and the upcoming summit on peace being hosted by Switzerland.”
After the meeting, Mr Modi said, “Had a productive meeting with Mr Zelenskyy. India is eager to further cement bilateral relations with Ukraine. Regarding the ongoing hostilities, reiterated that India believes in a human-centric approach and believes that the way forward is through dialogue and diplomacy.”
In its statement, Ukraine said that during the meeting, the leaders discussed the preparations for the Global Peace Summit and discussed the agenda of the summit.
On Friday, the Prime Minister also had bilateral meetings with the British PM and the French President.
In the meeting with the British Prime Minister, both PM Modi and Mr Sunak “expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the free trade agreement negotiations between the two countries”.
Mr Sunak also said he is “pleased that India will send high-level representatives to the Ukraine Peace Summit this weekend”.
In a statement, New Delhi said, “Mr Sunak congratulated Mr Modi on his historic third consecutive term. The two leaders reaffirmed the shared commitment of both countries to further strengthen bilateral relations. The leaders discussed the implementation of the Roadmap 2030 and expressed happiness over progress in all areas of the comprehensive strategic partnership, including regular high-level political consultations, defence and security, trade and economic collaboration, critical and high technology sectors and people-to-people ties."
"Both leaders also discussed regional and multilateral matters of mutual interest. Mr Modi extended his best wishes to the people of the United Kingdom as they prepare for general elections next month.”
In its statement, Britain said that both Prime Ministers discussed their mutual commitment to the security and prosperity of both countries and saluted the strength of the relationship.
On the meeting with the French President, New Delhi said, “The two leaders reviewed India-France bilateral relations, focusing on the 'Horizon 2047' Roadmap and the Indo-Pacific Roadmap. Discussions included cooperation in defence, nuclear, space, education, climate action, digital public infrastructure, connectivity and cultural initiatives such as the national museum partnership and enhancing people-to-people ties. They agreed to further intensify strategic defence cooperation with increased focus on ‘Make in India’.”
According to New Delhi's statement, Mr Modi and Mr Macron also agreed to expand cooperation in the realms of AI, critical and emerging technologies, energy and sports, while working closely in the context of the forthcoming AI Summit and United Nations Oceans Conference, both to be hosted in France in 2025.
"The two leaders also exchanged views on key global and regional issues. They emphasised that a strong and trusted strategic partnership between India and France is crucial for a stable and prosperous global order and agreed to work closely to make it scale greater heights. Mr Modi extended his best wishes to Mr Macron for the forthcoming Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.
