Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kiev on Friday. He ruled out the role of a mediator in ending Russia's war against Ukraine. But India has agreed to transmit messages between Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and President Vladimir Zelensky. This is reported by Bloomberg, reports UNN.
Bloomberg reports, citing sources, that Putin plans to visit Kiev on Friday to try to balance relations with Washington and Moscow, but ruled out a role as a mediator in ending Russia's war against Ukraine.
However, sources note that this South Asian country has agreed to transmit messages between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian Vladimir Zelensky, since the discussions are private.
Indian officials have called for dialogue and diplomacy to end the war, which began with Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
"Modi's unwillingness to mediate an end to the war is partly explained by India's dependence on Russia in terms of cheap oil and weapons. New Delhi refrained from criticizing Moscow for the invasion, which is now in its third year, and increased purchases of Russian oil to record levels. The South Asian country shares hostile borders with Pakistan and China," the statement said.
Bloomberg also reports that Fashion's visit to Kiev will be limited to a few hours due to security concerns.
Addition
Tanmaya Lal, Secretary of the Western Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MEA), stated that India has always advocated diplomacy and dialogue to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. "India holds a very clear and consistent position that diplomacy and dialogue can resolve this conflict and lead to lasting peace, so dialogue is absolutely necessary. Lasting peace can only be achieved through options that are acceptable to both sides, and this can only be a negotiated settlement. For our part, India continues to engage with all stakeholders," he said.
"Prime Minister Modi held talks with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine, as you know, and the Prime Minister recently visited Russia. India is ready to provide all possible support and assistance necessary to find peaceful solutions to this difficult issue, and at this stage we cannot anticipate or prejudge what the outcome of these discussions between the leaders of India and Ukraine will be," Lal added.
Context
The Office of the President informedthat on the Day of the National Flag of Ukraine, on August 23, the official visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Ukraine will take place.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held an informal meeting in Novo-Ogarevo in July.