Ukraine situation worrying, we ensured steady supply of aid: PM Modi at virtual meet with Joe Biden

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, there has been some disquiet in Washington over India's position on the Ukraine crisis as well as its decision to procure discounted Russian oil.

India placed importance on the safety of the civilian population in Ukraine and the uninterrupted supply of humanitarian aid to them, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said during his virtual meeting with US President Joe Biden. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, there has been some disquiet in Washington over India's position on the Ukraine crisis as well as its decision to procure discounted Russian oil.

"Our talks today are taking place at a time when the situation in Ukraine remains very worrying," PM Modi said.

 

"Till a few weeks ago, over 20,000 Indians were stranded in Ukraine. And most of these were young students."

 

"Recently the news of killings of innocent civilians in Bucha was very worrying. We immediately condemned it and demanded a fair investigation. We hope that the ongoing talks between Russia and Ukraine will pave the way for peace," the PM said. Horrifying visuals and images emerged from Ukraine's Bucha, which showed hundreds of bodies strewn on the city streets. The reports prompted international condemnation of Russia's military action in the city that has been reduced to dust and debris.

 

Elaborating further on India’s reaction to the war, PM Modi said, “I spoke on the phone several times with the Presidents of both Ukraine and Russia. Not only did I appeal for peace, but I also suggested President Putin hold direct talks with the President of Ukraine. The subject of Ukraine has also been discussed in great detail in our Parliament.”

 

“We have also placed importance on the safety of the civilian population in Ukraine and the uninterrupted supply of humanitarian aid to them. On our behalf, we have sent medicines and other relief materials to Ukraine and its neighboring countries. And on the demand of Ukraine, we are sending another consignment of medicines very soon.”

 

“When I came to Washington in September last year, you said that India-US partnership can contribute to the solution to many global problems. I completely agree with you. As the world's two largest and oldest democracies, we are natural partners,” the prime minister said, hinting at the growing roles of the two countries in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

 

“You gave a very important slogan at the very beginning of your tenure - ‘Democracies can deliver’. The success of the India-US partnership is the best way to make this slogan meaningful,” PM Modi stressed.

 

The two leaders had last interacted in March when they were joined by other Quad leaders, Australia and Japan.

 

On Sunday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), while announcing the meeting, said that it will “enable both sides to continue their regular and high-level engagement aimed at further strengthening the bilateral comprehensive global strategic partnership”.

 

“The two leaders will review ongoing bilateral cooperation and exchange views on recent developments in South Asia and global issues of mutual interest,” said MEA in a statement.

 

Ahead of the meeting, Biden said: “Look forward to further deepening ties.”

 

News is originally taken from: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pm-modi-joe-biden-meet-virtually-ahead-of-india-us-2-2-talks-1936225-2022-04-11

 

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