After India abstained from a resolution urging the UN Security Council to declare Russian annexation of Ukrainian territory invalid, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke Tuesday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and told him “there is no military solution” to the conflict and India would “contribute to any peace efforts”.
According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, the leaders discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. A ceasefire should be achieved as soon as possible, and dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued. He conveyed India’s readiness to contribute to any peace efforts, stating there can be no military solution to the conflict.”
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of respecting the UN Charter, international law, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, according to the statement.
In his remarks, the Prime Minister underscored the importance India attaches to nuclear safety and security, including in Ukraine.
The minister stressed that the endangerment of nuclear facilities could have far-reaching and catastrophic consequences for public health and the environment. As a follow-up to their previous meeting in Glasgow in November 2021, the two leaders discussed important areas of bilateral cooperation.
India abstained from voting on a UNSC resolution on Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territory last Saturday, stating that “escalation of rhetoric or tension serves no one’s interests” and that pathways for a return to negotiations should be found.
The resolution was unable to be adopted by the UNSC due to a veto by Russia, a permanent member. The resolution was supported by 10 of the 15 members of the Council, with China, Gabon, India and Brazil abstaining.
