Respect for Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity is of Paramount Importance to India, Says Modi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, reaffirmed India’s stance on supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“We have confidently stayed away from the war, but that has never meant we were mere indifferent observers. We have never been neutral, and from day one, our side has been for peace,” Modi stated.

The Prime Minister highlighted that respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is crucial for achieving peace. “And I want to say to you and to the world that this is our belief and our commitment, and we say it very loudly and clearly — that we support respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. This is of paramount importance to us,” he added.

Modi also mentioned his recent participation in the third Global South Summit, where he delivered a message of peace on behalf of 120 countries. He emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving wars: “The only way to address problems is through dialogue and diplomacy, and, without losing any more time, we need to move in this direction. Both sides will have to come together and seek ways to resolve this crisis.”

The Indian Prime Minister further expressed India’s readiness to contribute actively to peaceful resolution efforts: “I arrived just before your Independence Day, and therefore I would like us all to work towards the quickest possible restoration of peace, and India will be ready to make its active contribution towards achieving this goal.”

Earlier, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Ukraine, marking his first visit to the country since the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. During the visit, Prime Minister Modi held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.