Kyiv/New Delhi, Aug 23 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that India is for peace, and firmly believes that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way forward to resolve the Ukraine conflict, and no time should be lost in pursuing this path, even as he said that India is willing to provide any humanitarian help that Kyiv wants.
In his media statement, after holding talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, PM Modi said that as a friend he is willing to play any role in his personal capacity for resolution of the Ukraine conflict.
With his voice laden with emotion, the PM said that his visit to the Martyrologist Exposition, a memorial built in memory of children killed in the conflict, had moved him very deeply.
“You know well and so does the world that in the war we (India) have adopted the path of two kinds of roles, and have tried to stick to them.
“In times of such calamity there are departments, that India, keeping in mind the humanitarian aspect, has tried to fulfil its role.
“And I assure you that in the humanitarian aspect whatever role is needed from India we will always stand by your side, and walk two steps ahead.
“The second path we have chosen is to keep far away from war.
“With great conviction we have kept away from war, but that does not mean we have been indifferent or neutral; we have been on the side of peace.
“We are from the land of the Buddha where war has no role; we are from the land of Mahatma Gandhi who has given the message of peace to the whole world.
“I have come to Ukraine today bringing with me the feelings of 140 crore of my countrymen.
“And they are inspired by the feelings of humanity.
“I have come to Ukraine with the message of peace.
“I addressed the Global South conference where 130 countries were represented. On their behalf too I have brought the message of peace.
“You know and so do the people of Ukraine that India has played a positive role in peace.
“You also know that our approach has been people-centric.
“I want to assure you and the world that India’s commitment and we believe, that respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is foremost for us, and we support it.
“Some time back when I met with President Putin, then I said that this is not the time for war.
“During my visit to Russia I said the same thing, that no resolution can be found in a battlefield.
“Solution can only be found through talks, through dialogue and diplomacy.
“And we must move on that path without wasting further time.
“We should sit with both sides (of the conflict) and find a way out of this hour of crisis, and find a path forward.
“I want to assure that in the path toward peace, India is willing to play any role.
“We want that the sun of peace rises in Ukraine.”
