Biden Praises Modi’s Support for Ukraine Amid Diplomatic Balancing Act
Washington: US President Joe Biden praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his “message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support” for Ukraine during a phone call on Monday. This call comes in the wake of Modi’s recent diplomatic visits to Poland and Ukraine, which have garnered international attention.
Modi’s visit to Kyiv on August 23 was perceived by many as a strategic balancing act following his controversial trip to Russia last month, which had drawn criticism from the Biden administration and concern in some Western circles. During his visit to Ukraine, Modi urged for direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia to end the conflict, offering India’s support in restoring peace.
In a post on ‘X’, President Biden expressed his commendation for Modi’s stance, highlighting the significance of his diplomatic outreach. “I spoke with Prime Minister Modi to discuss his recent trip to Poland and Ukraine and commended him for his message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine,” Biden stated.
The White House’s readout of the call detailed discussions between the two leaders on Modi’s recent travels and the upcoming United Nations General Assembly meetings. It noted Biden’s appreciation for Modi’s historic visits to Poland and Ukraine, describing them as significant as the first by an Indian prime minister in decades. The readout emphasized the leaders’ shared commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine, in line with international law and the UN Charter.
The two leaders also reaffirmed their dedication to working together to promote peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, including through collaborative regional groups like the Quad.
Prime Minister Modi, in his own post on the micro-blogging site, elaborated on the call, noting that he and Biden had a comprehensive discussion on regional and global issues, including the situation in Bangladesh. Modi reiterated India’s support for the restoration of peace and stability in Ukraine and highlighted the importance of ensuring the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh.
In response to the political developments in Bangladesh, India has been actively advocating for the protection of minorities, especially Hindus, amidst the unfolding situation.
