PM Modi underscores India's consistent stance on encouraging a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict
On the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Apulia in Italy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in significant bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the United Kingdom and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine.
 
These discussions, which took place on Friday (June 14, 2024) against the backdrop of the G7 Summit's outreach sessions focused on critical issues such as artificial intelligence and energy, were marked by a reaffirmation of bilateral commitments and a shared vision for global cooperation.
 
Prime Minister Modi's meeting with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was particularly noteworthy, as it was the first since Sunak's visit to India for the G20 Summit in September.
 
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two leaders discussed the implementation of Roadmap 2030, a strategic framework designed to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors. They expressed happiness on progress in all areas of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including regular high-level political consultations, defence and security, trade and economic collaboration, critical and high technology sectors and people-to-people ties, the MEA said.
 
Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the negotiations for a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which aims to bolster economic ties and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.
 
PM Sunak congratulated PM Modi on his historic third consecutive term, acknowledging the significant mandate he received from the Indian electorate. Prime Minister Modi, on the other hand, extended his best wishes to the people of the United Kingdom as they prepare for the general elections next month.
 
“It was a delight to meet PM @RishiSunak in Italy. I reiterated my commitment to further strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the third term of the NDA Government. There is great scope to deepen ties in sectors like semiconductors, technology and trade. We also talked about further cementing ties in the defence sector,” Prime Minister Modi posted on X, formerly Twitter.
 
In another significant diplomatic engagement, PM Modi met with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. The meeting underscored India's consistent stance on encouraging a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
 
“Had a very productive meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. India is eager to further cement bilateral relations with Ukraine. Regarding the ongoing hostilities, reiterated that India believes in a human-centric approach and believes that the way to peace is through dialogue and diplomacy,” Prime Minister Modi posted on X.
 
The leaders had a “productive meeting” in which they discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations, the MEA said. They also exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine and the upcoming Summit on Peace being hosted by Switzerland.
 
During their conversation, Prime Minister Modi conveyed that India continues to encourage peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and democracy, the MEA stated. He reiterated that India would continue to do everything within its means to support a peaceful solution.
 
Prime Minister Modi earlier had wide-ranging discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, where they reviewed India-France bilateral relations, focusing on the 'Horizon 2047' Roadmap and the Indo-Pacific Roadmap.