Ukraine Crisis, Defence Partnership Focal Points In PM Modi And Joe Biden Virtual Meet

As the meeting began, both the leaders talked about the ongoing crisis in Ukraine as the Russian aggression continues. 

(From Left) PM Narendra Modi & Joe Biden | File Photo: Getty Images

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden met virtually on Monday to discuss the bilateral cooperation between both countries. 

As the meeting began, both the leaders talked about the ongoing crisis in Ukraine as the Russian aggression continues. 

As the meeting began, President Biden said, “I am pleased to have this opportunity to speak to you virtually today and with two of your ministers and your ambassador. We take the same concerns about the global challenges we faced during Covid-19, advancing health securities and  tracking economic crisis.”

In response to his comment, PM Modi said that he hopes that the ongoing talks between Russia and Ukraine would pave the way for peace. 

“I have spoken with Presidents of both Ukraine and Russia over the telephone, several times. I not only appealed to them for peace but also suggested President Putin hold direct talks with the Ukrainian President. Detailed discussions were held over Ukraine, in our Parliament,” PM Modi added.

I have spoken with Presidents of both Ukraine and Russia over telephone, several times. I not only appealed to them for peace but also suggested President Putin to hold direct talks with the Ukrainian President. Detailed discussions were held over Ukraine, in our Parliament: PM pic.twitter.com/LEJjz01A7p

— ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2022

During the conversation between the two leaders, PM Modi also said that India condemns the killings in Bucha city. 

"Recent news of the killing of innocent citizens in Bucha city was a matter of concern. We immediately condemned it and also demanded an impartial probe. We hope that through the talks between Russia and Ukraine, a path for peace would come out," he said.

He also talked about the Vande Bharat Mission which was initiated by India to rescue nearly 20,000 Indians stuck in Ukraine post the Russian offensive.

"After a lot of hard work, we were successful in getting them all out," PM Modi added. He also added that he asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to have a direct talk with the Ukrainian President. 

While talking about the India-US relationship, he said that "As the world's two largest and oldest democracies, we are natural partners."

The meeting of the two leaders comes ahead of the 2+2 Ministerial meeting between the foreign and defence ministers of both countries.