Narendra Modi with Mahmoud Abbas (L) and with Volodymyr Zelenskyy (R).
New Delhi: On the sidelines of the United Nations general assembly (UNGA) summit, the prime minister, Narendra Modi, held bilateral meetings with the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, on Monday. These meetings are seen as India’s efforts to foster peace and stability in conflict-ridden regions.
Modi’s meeting with Abbas
In a separate meeting, Prime Minister Modi engaged in discussions with the Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas. The talks centred on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Met President Mahmoud Abbas in New York. Reiterated India’s support for early restoration of peace and stability in the region. Exchanged views of further strengthening long standing friendship with the people of Palestine. pic.twitter.com/LnmAm7dDax
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 23, 2024
Modi conveyed his deep concern regarding the escalating violence and the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza. He reaffirmed India’s backing for a two-state solution as the means to achieving enduring peace in the region. The prime minister reiterated India’s commitment to fostering stability in the Middle East through diplomatic channels.
Furthermore, Modi highlighted India’s ongoing humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people. This aid encompasses medical supplies, food provisions, and support for infrastructure development in Gaza.
On his part, Abbas expressed his gratitude for India’s long-standing support of the Palestinian cause. He emphasized the pressing need for renewed international endeavours to address the crisis and work towards a just and lasting resolution.
Modi’s meeting with Zelenskyy
Modi’s meeting with Zelenskyy marked their third encounter in three months, highlighting the growing diplomatic engagement between India and Ukraine. The discussions focused on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the broader implications for global peace and security.
Met President @ZelenskyyUa in New York. We are committed to implementing the outcomes of my visit to Ukraine last month to strengthen bilateral relations. Reiterated India’s support for early resolution of the conflict in Ukraine and restoration of peace and stability. pic.twitter.com/YRGelX1Gl5
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 23, 2024
During the meeting, Modi reiterated India’s steadfast support for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict through diplomacy and dialogue. He emphasized India’s commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, aligning with international norms and principles.
Modi also conveyed India’s readiness to provide all possible assistance to facilitate a lasting and peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for India’s consistent support and acknowledged the importance of India’s role in the international community. He highlighted the need for enhanced cooperation on international platforms such as the UN and G20 to address the challenges posed by the conflict.
The leaders discussed the implementation of the “peace formula” and preparations for the second peace summit to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
