Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv on Friday (August 30, 2024). Photo Credit: ANI
India said on Friday (August 30, 2024) that the recent high-level visit Prime Minister Narendra Modi The visit to Kyiv would pave the way for “stronger bilateral relations”, as well as promote more forward-looking discussions on the possibility of a peaceful resolution of the dispute. Russia–Ukraine conflict,
“As friends and partners, we will support any viable and mutually acceptable solution or format that can restore peace,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in response to a question during his weekly media briefing here.
When asked about Indians stranded in the Russian military, he said that till date, “15 Indians have been released and returned to India. There are some others who are awaiting release.”
“Our mission, our embassy is in touch with the Russian authorities, with both the Foreign Office and the defence side, and we hope that those who wish to return to India will be released soon,” he said.
He also answered various questions asked on the recent visit of Shri Modi to Ukraine and the statement issued by Ukraine. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky On that.
“We believe that Ukraine has its own perspective on various issues and matters and they are sharing it with the media,” Mr Jaiswal said.
“As far as we are concerned, we will be guided by the bilateral discussions we had with him, including the recently concluded high-level visit, which we believe will pave the way for stronger bilateral ties besides more forward-looking discussions on the possibility of a peaceful resolution of the conflict,” he said.
The spokesperson said India has “always advocated for constructive, solution-oriented and pragmatic engagement with all stakeholders to find a negotiated solution to this conflict.”
“This is evident in our approach and our efforts at the highest levels towards both Russia and Ukraine. The Prime Minister has already indicated India’s willingness to play a constructive role in the interest of peace. However, it is too early to comment on specific modalities and avenues at this point in time,” he said.
‘Friends and Partners’
“The decision on when and how to resume peace talks is the prerogative of both parties involved in the conflict,” he said.
“As friends and partners, we will support any viable and mutually acceptable solution or format that can restore peace,” Mr Jaiswal said.
On reports of a group of Indians stranded at Sao Paulo airport in Brazil, he said, “As far as Indians being stranded at Sao Paulo airport is concerned, yes, we are aware of it.”
“There are many Indians there. We also have a consulate in Sao Paulo which is in touch with the Foreign Office representatives in the city. They have also sought a meeting with local authorities. Contrary to what has been reported in some media, Indians are being taken good care of at the airport in terms of food,” he said.
Responding to a question on India-Germany bilateral relations, he said the mobility partnership signed earlier between the two sides will “facilitate ties between our people”.
Asked when the India-Africa Summit would be held, Mr Jaiswal said, “We are in talks with the African Union on when the India-Africa Summit can be held.”