PM Modi stresses restoration of trade ties during his meeting with Prez Zelenskyy
Evian, June 17
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, with both leaders agreeing on the need to restore bilateral trade ties to pre‑war levels and reaffirming their commitment to peace.
PM Modi said India and Ukraine had been engaging extensively in recent times, with cooperation spanning various areas.
"Our talks today were about reviewing different aspects of our cooperation. We both agree that trade ties need to be restored to what they were in the pre‑war period. India will always be on the side of peace, placing the values of humanity over everything else," he stated in a message shared on X.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has disrupted global supply chains and significantly impacted India‑Ukraine trade, particularly in agricultural commodities and defence‑related cooperation.
Before the war, India imported large quantities of sunflower oil and fertilisers from Ukraine, while exporting pharmaceuticals, machinery and other goods.
India has consistently called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the crisis, maintaining that peace and stability are essential for global economic recovery.
PM Modi has previously emphasised that India's position is guided by humanitarian concerns and the need to protect the interests of developing nations affected by the conflict.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sought greater international support to rebuild Ukraine's economy and infrastructure, while also strengthening ties with partners such as India.
The leaders' discussions in Evian are seen as part of broader efforts to revive economic engagement and explore avenues for cooperation despite the ongoing war.
The interaction between PM Modi and President Zelenskyy highlights India's balancing act, supporting humanitarian principles and peace while safeguarding its economic interests and maintaining relations with all parties involved.
— IANS
Reader Comments
India's approach to this conflict has been very mature. We're not taking sides blindly but rather focusing on humanitarian principles and economic stability. The Ukrainian people need support, and if trade can help rebuild their economy, it's a win-win.
It's interesting to see India playing this diplomatic balancing game. On one hand they maintain good relations with Russia, on the other they're reaching out to Ukraine. Pragmatic foreign policy, but I wonder how long this can last.
Jai Ho! PM Modi is doing the right thing. India should not bow down to pressure from either side. We have our own interests to protect. War is bad for everyone, and trade restoration is a step towards normalcy. Bharat Mata Ki Jai! 🙏
I appreciate India's consistent stance on dialogue and diplomacy. The world needs more of that. But I hope this doesn't come across as ignoring Russia's aggression. India should be careful not to be seen as legitimizing the invasion through trade deals.
Finally some good news! As a student of international relations, I think this is a masterstroke. India is showing that even in times of war, economic diplomacy can keep channels open. Plus, we desperately need those sunflower oil imports - our cooking costs have gone through the roof!
R Rohit P