PM Modi holds bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on sidelines of G7 Summit
Evian, June 17
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Évian, France.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval were also present in the meeting.
Earlier, the G7 leaders reaffirmed solidarity with Ukraine in the war against Russia, agreeing to increase additional air defence systems, licenses to increase military production, while strengthening sanctions against the Russian oil and gas sectors.
Issuing a formal declaration, the Heads of State and Government of the G7 expressed "unwavering support" for Ukraine and lauded the nation and its citizens for their "resilience and progress" amid the prolonged conflict.
"We, the Heads of State and Government of the G7, stand united in our unwavering support for Ukraine as it defends its freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. We reaffirm our solidarity with the Ukrainian people, whose vital infrastructure and cultural heritage are under attack. We commend Ukraine for its resilience and the progress it has made on the front lines in recent months, and we emphasize that there is now renewed momentum," the statement read.
To boost Ukraine's defence capabilities, the G7 leaders agreed to further boost the air defence systems, interceptors and long-range ammunition, while granting licenses to increase Ukraine's military production. The leaders also agreed to strengthen the energy requirements of Kyiv and assured additional support ahead of the upcoming winter.
Expressing committment to increase pressure on Russia, the G7 leaders announced the strengthening of sanctions on its oil and gas sectors.
Welcoming the announcement of a peace deal between the US and Iran, the leaders affirmed their resolve towards taking a significant step to end the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, I wish India would take a stronger stance on Russia's aggression. Our silence on Ukraine while cozying up to Moscow doesn't look good. What about territorial integrity? Shouldn't that apply everywhere, not just Kashmir? Just saying...
Smart diplomacy by Modi ji - keeping channels open with both Russia and Ukraine. India's energy needs and defense ties with Russia are practical realities. Europe can lecture us but they buy Russian gas too through back channels! 🙃
As someone who's followed this war closely, I'm glad Modi is engaging. But the G7's "unwavering support" for Ukraine rings hollow when their citizens are freezing in winter. Russia needs to be stopped, but so does the suffering.
Interesting that they mentioned a peace deal with Iran too. India has good relations with both Iran and Ukraine - maybe we can play mediator? Our track record in conflict resolution hasn't been great, but worth trying. Better than more weapons.
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