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Washington| The US has welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ukraine and said it could help end the Russia-Ukraine conflict. “India is a strong partner for the United States, and the Prime Minister’s visit to Kyiv and talks with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy will help end the conflict”, White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby said at a media briefing on Friday. “If any other country is willing to help end the war in Ukraine, we welcome it”, he said. But by helping, we mean it should include dialogue with the people of Ukraine, and it should start with understanding what President Zelenskyy thinks about this matter.”

During his meeting with Zelensky on Friday, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s principled position and commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. He also reiterated India’s readiness to contribute in “all possible ways” to the early return of peace in the region. After bilateral discussions in Kyiv, Prime Minister Modi said, “My visit to Ukraine was historic”. I have come to this great nation with the aim of deepening India-Ukraine friendship. I had a productive conversation with President Zelenskyy. India strongly believes that peace should last forever. I thank the government and people of Ukraine for welcoming me.”

Prime Minister Modi thanked Zelenskyy and Ukrainian officials for their assistance and support in safely evacuating Indian students from the country weeks after the war began in February 2022. A joint statement issued after the delegation-level talks said the two leaders stressed the need for “honest and practical engagement” between all parties to develop solutions that will be widely accepted and that will contribute to peace. It also said that the two leaders will work on moving bilateral relations from a comprehensive partnership to a strategic partnership in the future.