Ahead of Narendra Modi's much-anticipated Ukraine visit, the prime minister confidently asserted that no problem can be solved on the battlefield. Extending support to the war-torn region, Modi said India is ready to extend cooperation in all possible ways to restore peace and stability in West Asia.
Modi, who arrived in Warsaw on Wednesday, held wide-ranging talks with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Topics including strengthening of strategic partnerships, social security pact to promote mobility of skilled workers and key sectors of defence, trade, renewable energy, food processing, artificial intelligence and space were discussed.
While referring to the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Modi expressed deep concern. "The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia are a matter of deep concern for all of us. India firmly believes that no problem can be solved on the battlefield," he said.
Modi will be reaching Ukraine on Friday.
#WATCH | Kyiv, Ukraine: On PM Modi's visit to Ukraine, Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko says "Prime Minister Modi is a legendary person for us. We know how many good things he did under his leadership for the people of India, that India developed economically so… pic.twitter.com/jxcqJ7dybM
— ANI (@ANI) August 22, 2024
Addressing a joint press briefing, Polish PM Tusk said both are convinced that India can play a serious and positive role in ending the war. "I am very pleased that the Prime Minister confirmed the readiness of his personal commitment to a peaceful, just, quick end to the war," said Tusk.
Modi also thanked Poland for facilitating the evacuation of Indian students from Ukraine after the conflict began in 2022.
In his remarks, Tusk said Poland wants to expand its defence cooperation with India and that it would like to support New Delhi's efforts to modernise its military.
#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a delegation-level talk with Poland President Andrzej Duda, in Warsaw.
— ANI (@ANI) August 22, 2024
(Video: ANI/DD News) pic.twitter.com/qpVDgnqHXT
"We are ready to take part in the modernisation of military equipment," he said.
While referring to the defence ties, Modi said close cooperation in the field of defence is a symbol of our deep mutual trust and cooperation in this area will be strengthened.
Modi also said both sides agreed that reform in the United Nations and other international institutions is the need of the hour to face various global challenges.
"Terrorism is a big challenge for us. More such cooperation is necessary between countries like India and Poland which believe in humanity," he said.
