America: During a virtual meeting between US President Joe Biden and PM Modi, the Prime Minister clarified his stance on the Ukraine crisis. “India wants peace and I have appealed to both the countries to take the path of peace,” he said. “I urge both Putin and Zelensky to call and talk directly,” he said. PM Modi expressed concern over the genocide in Bucha and said that an independent inquiry was needed. It is to be mentioned that now a two plus two meeting is to be held between the two countries. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will speak to their counterparts. During the meeting, Modi said that we have also attached importance to the protection of the people of Ukraine and providing them with humanitarian assistance. We have sent medicines and other relief materials from us to Ukraine and its neighboring countries. And on the demand of Ukraine we are sending one more consignment of drugs soon.
Reports of recent killings of innocent civilians in the city of Bucha were extremely disturbing. We strongly condemn it and demand an impartial inquiry. We hope that the ongoing dialogue between Russia and Ukraine will pave the way for peace. “Our talks today are taking place at a time when the situation in Ukraine is extremely worrying,” Modi said. Until a few weeks ago, more than 50,000 Indians were stranded in Ukraine. After much hard work we managed to get them out safely. However, one student lost his life. At the beginning of the meeting, Narendra Modi first thanked the US President. “Before our defense and foreign ministers meet today in a two-plus-two format, our visit is important to guide their conversation,” he said. Modi further added that when I came to Washington in September last year, you said that India-US could contribute to the solution of many global problems. I totally agree with you. We are natural partners in the two largest and oldest democracies in the world.