"Modi can influence the end of war": Zelensky endorses India's potential hosting of second Peace Summit
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine
Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, can potentially play a significant role in resolving the ongoing war between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. It is possible that talks between Kyiv and Moscow may transpire on Indian soil, and another peace summit could potentially be hosted in India. While Kyiv is open to considering suggestions from other countries, it remains committed to finding a solution within the framework of Ukrainian perspectives.
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that in an interview with The Times of India.
As Zelensky noted, Modi is the prime minister of a country with a huge population, economy, and influence.
"Such a country cannot simply say that we are interested in ending the war – we are all interested in it. Prime Minister Modi can influence the end of the war with Ukraine. This is his great value in any conflict. This is the great value of India," the president explained.
He added that blocking Russia's economy, cheap energy resources, as well as the enemy's defense-industrial complex would reduce Moscow's ability to wage war against Ukraine.
In addition, India could organize negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. However, since the war continues precisely on Ukraine's territory, it is necessary to prepare and manage a dialogue in the Ukrainian format. In addition, Ukraine has its own platform, namely the Peace Summit.
Zelensky added that the recently announced victory plan is not a bargaining chip or a topic of negotiations with Russia. This applies, in particular, to Ukraine's invitation to NATO.
"We have spoken to Modi. We have a peace summit venue; I think we could have a second summit in any respectable capital. Certainly, it could be in India, and the prime minister can organize a suitable summit," the president said.
Zelensky added that Ukraine needs to prepare for the subsequent peace summit meeting. At the same time, Kyiv wants to hear proposals from certain countries, including China, Brazil, India, members of the European Union (EU), and the states of the African continent.
"And please, if there are proposals, China and Brazil have them, but only based on our format because we have a war. And I think such a summit can be held in India," the president noted.
Modi, as the president noted, could also help Ukraine with the return of children forcibly deported to the Russian Federation.
"You can force Putin to return the Ukrainian children… Prime Minister Modi can use his influence and say to Putin, just give me 1,000 Ukrainian children who will be returned to Ukraine. Let the Prime Minister Prime Minister Modi bring back at least 1,000 Ukrainian children," the president explained.
For reference:
On August 23, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived on an official visit to Ukraine. This was the first visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine since the country gained independence in 1991.
During Modi's visit, Ukraine and India agreed on four documents on cooperation. They relate to medicine, agriculture, humanitarian aid, and culture:
- Memorandum of Understanding between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of India regarding Indian humanitarian grant aid for the implementation of the effectiveness of community development:
- Agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of India on cooperation in the field of agriculture and food industry;
- Program of cultural cooperation for 2024-2028;
- Memorandum of Understanding between the State Service of Ukraine for Medicines and Narcotics Control and the Central Inspection for Control of Medicines Standards of the Ministry of Health of India.
The media also learned that the Ukrainian state company "Zoria" – "Mashproiekt" is negotiating with Indian private companies regarding the joint production of gas turbines used on military ships.
The two countries also discussed India's production of aircraft and aircraft engines.
Also, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of India signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Indian humanitarian grant aid to implement highly effective community development projects.
