On Monday, U.S. President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in discussions about the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the recent political upheaval in Bangladesh. Their conversation follows Modi’s recent visit to Ukraine and the recent ousting of former Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina.
In a statement posted online, Modi outlined the key points of his discussion with Biden. Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting the restoration of peace and stability in Ukraine and emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and security of minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh.
Spoke to @POTUS @JoeBiden on phone today. We had a detailed exchange of views on various regional and global issues, including the situation in Ukraine. I reiterated India’s full support for early return of peace and stability.
We also discussed the situation in Bangladesh and…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 26, 2024
The White House, in a separate announcement, praised Modi’s recent diplomatic efforts, including his visit to Poland and Ukraine. Both leaders underscored their shared commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict in line with international law and the UN Charter.
Modi’s visit to Ukraine, which marked the first such visit by an Indian prime minister, occurred amid a critical phase in the ongoing war. Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Moscow has made incremental advances in eastern Ukraine, while Kyiv continues its counteroffensive efforts.
During his visit, Modi encouraged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to engage in direct talks with Russia to seek an end to the conflict. Modi also offered India’s support in facilitating peace negotiations. Zelenskyy reportedly expressed his willingness to support India in hosting a potential second summit on peace, aimed at involving countries from the Global South in resolving the conflict.
The discussions between Biden and Modi reflect the growing international diplomatic efforts to address the war in Ukraine and manage regional issues in South Asia, including the political turbulence in Bangladesh.
