Indian PM Narendra Modi meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at G7 Summit in Hiroshima
On Saturday, May 20, 2023, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan. This was their first meeting since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, triggering a major international crisis and a humanitarian catastrophe.
The meeting was seen as a sign of India’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its desire to strengthen bilateral ties with the Eastern European nation. Modi and Zelensky discussed the situation in Ukraine and the region, as well as ways to enhance cooperation in various fields, such as trade, investment, energy, defense, and culture.
Modi expressed his solidarity with the Ukrainian people and their aspirations for peace and democracy. He also condemned the Russian aggression and called for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in accordance with international law and the Minsk agreements. He assured Zelensky of India’s readiness to provide humanitarian assistance and development aid to Ukraine.
Zelensky thanked Modi for his friendship and his invitation to attend the G7 Summit as a guest. He also appreciated India’s stance on the Ukraine issue and its contribution to the UN peacekeeping mission in Donbass. He expressed his interest in expanding the strategic partnership between India and Ukraine, especially in the fields of innovation, technology, education, and tourism.
A shared vision for a multipolar world
The meeting between Modi and Zelensky also reflected their shared vision for a multipolar world order based on mutual respect, dialogue, and cooperation. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to uphold the principles of democracy, human rights, rule of law, and multilateralism. They also exchanged views on global issues such as climate change, terrorism, cyber security, and health.
Modi and Zelensky agreed to work together to reform the UN Security Council and make it more representative and effective. They also supported the idea of holding a summit of democracy in 2024, as proposed by Japan. They stressed the importance of enhancing regional connectivity and cooperation among countries in Asia and Europe.
The meeting between Modi and Zelensky was hailed as a positive step towards strengthening the relations between India and Ukraine, as well as promoting peace and stability in the world. The two leaders expressed their hope to meet again soon and continue their dialogue on various issues of mutual interest.
