Modi’s Twin Meetings in New York With Ukraine & Palestine Presidents Catch Global Attention

In a key development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held another bilateral meeting with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, this time in New York. This was the third meeting between the two leaders in the last four months amidst the Russia-Ukraine war that is ongoing since 2022. Significantly, Modi also met Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas in New York a day earlier.

The key meeting in New York between Modi and Zelenskyy was the prime minister’s last engagement on the three-day tour and came as a surprise to many. India said the Ukrainian side had requested the meeting. Modi’s twin meetings with top leaders of Palestine and Ukraine, while in New York, show the seriousness with which India is pioneering efforts to bring the two wars to an end, sources said.

“Prime Minister reiterated India’s clear, consistent and constructive approach in favour of a peaceful resolution of the conflict through diplomacy and dialogue as well as engagement between all stakeholders. He conveyed that India remains open to provide all support within its means to facilitate a lasting and peaceful resolution of the conflict,” the Indian government said in a statement on the bilateral meeting with Zelenskyy.

The Foreign Secretary of India earlier at a press conference said the meeting with Zelenskyy reflects PM Modi’s commitment to the effort of peace, that he is concerned by this conflict, and especially the toll that it is taking on the world at large and especially the Global South. “PM Modi wants to contribute in any way possible towards peace,” the Foreign Secretary said.

India said the situation in Ukraine as well as the way forward on pursuing a path to peace also figured prominently in the discussions between both leaders. They had earlier met in Italy in June on the sidelines of the Group of Seven meeting, and PM Modi has travelled to Kyiv in August.

Zelenskyy, in the meeting, appreciated India’s attention and PM Modi’s peace efforts, the Indian side said. PM Modi said at the meeting with Zelenskyy that he has always stood for peace. He said he had spoken to leaders of various countries who all feel that the war should end, and a way needs to be found

“Some discussions are there on the specifics (of peace formula) amidst many countries and India has been involved in some of those. Number of conversations going on to move towards some specifics,” the foreign secretary said.

First Palestine, then Ukraine

PM Modi also met Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas on September 22 on the sidelines of the Summit of the Future in New York.

“The Prime Minister expressed deep concern at the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza and the deteriorating security situation in the region and reaffirmed India’s unwavering support to the people of Palestine, including continued humanitarian assistance. Prime Minister reiterated India’s time-tested principled position on the Israel-Palestine issue, and called for ceasefire, release of hostages and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy,” India had said in a statement on the meeting.

The PM in the meeting with Abbas also stressed that only a two-state solution will deliver enduring peace and stability in the region. Recalling that India was one of the first countries to recognise Palestine, he conveyed India’s continued support to Palestine membership of the UN, India said.