Fully prepared to contribute to Ukraine peace process: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that India is fully prepared to contribute to the peace process to find a solution to the Ukraine conflict. PM Modi's remarks on the Ukraine-Russia war come at a time when G20 Foreign Ministers are meeting here.

"From the very beginning of the Ukraine conflict, India has made it clear that this dispute can only be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. India is fully prepared to contribute to any peace process," PM Modi said.

Had fruitful talks with PM @GiorgiaMeloni, which were focussed on boosting India-Italy cooperation in sectors such as commerce, renewable energy, IT, space and upcoming sectors like semi-conductors and green hydrogen. Deepening ties in StartUps and defence were discussed too. pic.twitter.com/wL7BStJFw4

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 2, 2023

India has abstained from the UN resolutions on Ukraine and consistently underlined the need to respect the UN Charter, international law and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

India has also consistently underlined that in the conflict, the entire global South has suffered "substantial collateral damage" and developing countries are facing the brunt of the conflict's consequences on food, fuel and fertilizer supplies.

PM Modi said he and the Italian prime minister voiced concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and the adverse impact the conflict has had on developing countries.

Addressing the media alongside PM Modi, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who is on a state visit to India, strongly condemned the "unlawful and unprovoked aggression" by the Russian armed forces. 

She pitched for a 'central role' for New Delhi in cessation of hostilities. She hoped that India, during its G-20 presidency, can play a central role in facilitating and negotiating the process for cessation of hostilities and just peace in Ukraine.

PM Modi said he and the Italian PM voiced concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and the adverse impact the conflict has had on developing countries. He said all countries have been impacted by the food, fertiliser and fuel crisis triggered by the Ukraine conflict.

"Especially, developing countries have been affected adversely. We voiced our concerns on this issue and stressed on joint efforts to address these issues," PM Modi said.

In the joint statement, India and Italy called for the cessation of hostilities and expressed their serious concern about the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

"The two Prime Ministers discussed the destabilizing effect of the conflict in Ukraine and its broader regional and global implications. Both sides agreed to remain closely engaged on the topic," it added.

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