'India Believes Way To Peace Is Through Dialogue, Diplomacy': PM Modi Tells Ukraine Prez Zelenskyy On Sidelines Of G7 Summit

At the G7 Summit, PM Modi assured Ukrainian President Zelenskyy of India's continued support for a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, reiterating India's belief in a human-centric approach.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Apulia, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy.

Source : X/@narendramodi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that India continues to advocate for a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. PM Modi conveyed this message during a bilateral meeting with Zelenskyy in Apulia, where the 50th G7 Summit is being held.

"Had a very productive meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. India is eager to further cement bilateral relations with Ukraine. Regarding the ongoing hostilities, reiterated that India believes in a human-centric approach and believes that the way to peace is through dialogue and diplomacy,” said Modi after the meeting.

"The leaders reviewed the bilateral relationship and exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine. PM Modi conveyed that India continues to encourage a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy," said an MEA spokesperson in a post on X. The two leaders were seen sharing a warm hug as they met.

Zelenskyy provided further details on their discussion, stating "I met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a working visit to Italy for the G7 Summit. We discussed the development of bilateral relations and trade expansion, in particular in the context of the functioning of the Black Sea export corridor. We explored the possibility of exchanging experience in the use of new technologies in agriculture."

"We also talked about preparations for the Global Peace Summit and the issues on the Summit's agenda. I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sending a high-level delegation to the Summit," he added.

Before meeting the Ukrainian President, PM Modi held bilateral discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The discussions with French President Macron included a range of issues aimed at strengthening the partnership between India and France. More On It: G7 Summit: Modi Conveys Wishes To Macron For Paris Olympics, Discusses Semiconductors, Trade With Sunak

PM Modi is in Italy's Apulia to participate in the G7 Summit. After landing, he expressed his eagerness to engage in productive discussions with world leaders. The G7 countries include the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, and Britain. The leaders of the European Council and the European Commission are also participating.

Ahead of the Summit, Zelenskyy emphasised that much of the G7 Summit would be dedicated to Ukraine, focusing on its defence and economic resilience. "Today is the G7 Summit in Italy, a meeting of our closest partners. Much of it will be dedicated to Ukraine, our defence, and economic resilience. And we look forward to important decisions today," the Ukrainian President said in a post on X.

India To Participate In Swiss Peace Summit On Ukraine: FS Kwatra

India will participate in the upcoming peace summit on the Ukraine conflict in Switzerland at an appropriate level, announced Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra on Wednesday. The summit is scheduled to take place at Bürgenstock in Lucerne on June 15 and 16. 

Switzerland has extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the summit. 

Sources told ABP Live that Secretary (West) Pavan Kapoor is likely to represent India at the peace summit.

"India will attend the peace summit in Switzerland at the appropriate level," stated Foreign Secretary Kwatra during a media briefing on PM Modi's visit to Italy for the G7 Summit. "That consideration is currently ongoing, and as and when we have a decision on the representative from India who'll be participating, we'll be very happy to share it with you," he added.

Meanwhile, India is participating in the G7 summit as an outreach country. The luxurious Borgo Egnazia resort in Apulia is hosting the summit from June 13-15. PM Modi's attendance marks his first trip abroad since assuming office for the third consecutive term. He recalled his previous visit to Italy and Prime Minister Meloni's visits to India, which have significantly enhanced bilateral ties.

This participation marks India's 11th and PM Modi's fifth consecutive appearance at the G7 Summit.