NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hailed US President Donald Trump’s efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict, asserting that, “many people are in a misconception that India is neutral, but India is not neutral, it is on the side of peace.””I have always been in close contact with Russia and Ukraine. I have met the leaders of both countries. Many people are in a misconception that India is neutral, but I want to reiterate that India is not neutral; we are on a side, and that is peace,” the prime minister said during a joint press conference.”I have said that ‘this is not a time of war’ in front of the media when President Putin was with me. Even today, my conviction is that the solutions to war cannot be found on the battlefield, and ultimately, we have to be at the table,” PM Modi added.PM also mentioned his personal interactions with both Russian and Ukrainian leadership, highlighting his notable statement ‘this is not an era of war’ which he had made in the presence of President Putin. He also underscored the need for both the sides to come to the negotiating table.”India believes that the solution to the war can be found only when the issue is discussed in a forum where both countries (Russia and Ukraine) will be present. The efforts made by President Trump – I support, and welcome it. I hope he succeeds as soon as possible,” the prime minister further continued.The meeting between the two leaders came after Trump’s pointed remarks on tariffs and BRICS nations. However, their strong personal rapport was evident as they exchanged a warm hug upon PM Modi’s arrival, showcasing their camaraderie at the White House.During their discussions, PM Modi and Trump covered key issues, including bolstering US-India relations, with a focus on trade, energy, and defense.”President Trump’s first term has played a big role in making India-US relations stronger and taking them to new heights. I am confident that in the second term too, we will move ahead with the same pace,” PM Modi said.During the previous bilateral meetings, when Modi was asked about India’s potential role in ending the Russia-Ukraine war, the prime minister asserted,”As far as the Russia-Ukraine conflict is concerned, I am very happy that President Trump has taken initiatives to restore peace and had telephone calls with President Putin and President Zelenskyy. The world had this thinking that somehow, it is a neutral country in this whole process but this is not true. India has a side and it is of peace.””From the very first day I have been talking about the importance of dialogue and diplomacy and a peaceful solution. When I met President Putin, in the presence of media, I had told that this is not the era of war and I have firm conviction that problems cannot be solved on the battlefield. The two sides will have to come to the negotiating table. We support every effort done to bring peace, we support all We appreciate all the efforts taken by Trum,” he added.
‘India not neutral’: PM Modi’s message on Russia-Ukraine war | India News
