Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Japan, and assured him of India’s support for dialogue and diplomacy to end the war in Ukraine. The meeting, which was the first bilateral interaction between the two leaders since Russia invaded Ukraine in December, saw Modi expressing his concern over the humanitarian crisis and the global impact of the conflict.

Modi said that India would do whatever it can to help resolve the situation and alleviate the pain and suffering of the Ukrainian people. He also appreciated Ukraine’s cooperation in the safe evacuation of Indian students from the war-torn country. Zelenskyy thanked Modi for supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, especially at international platforms, and for providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

He also invited Modi to join his peace initiative, called the Ukraine Peace Formula, which aims to restore dialogue with Russia and other stakeholders. The two leaders also discussed global food security, nuclear safety, and cooperation within international agencies, mainly the United Nations. Modi’s meeting with Zelenskyy came amid fresh sanctions imposed by the G7 countries on Russia for its military intervention in Ukraine.

The G7 also called for a diplomatic solution to the crisis and urged Russia to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. India has maintained a balanced position on the Ukraine issue, calling for restraint and dialogue, but also abstaining from UN resolutions that condemn Russia’s actions. India has historical ties with Russia, which is a major supplier of defence equipment and energy to India.

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