Modi discusses Ukraine situation with British PM Johnson

    

   

    New Delhi

  Amid no signs of scaling down the Russia-Ukraine conflict,  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, March 22, spoke on phone with his British counterpart Boris Johnson.

"The two leaders had a detailed discussion on the situation in Ukraine," an MEA release said adding, Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s consistent appeal for cessation of hostilities and a return to the path of "dialogue and diplomacy". 

He emphasized India's belief in respect for international law and the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states, as the basis of the contemporary world order.

The two leaders also discussed issues of bilateral interests and agreed on the potential of further deepening cooperation in various areas including trade, technology, investments, defence and security, and people-to-people relations. 

Prime Minister Modi expressed his satisfaction at the "positive momentum" in the ongoing negotiations on the bilateral Free Trade Agreement. 

He also appreciated the progress in implementing the 'India-UK Roadmap 2030' adopted during the Virtual Summit between both leaders last year.

Mr Modi also conveyed his desire to welcome Prime Minister Johnson in India at an early date, as per mutual convenience, the release said.

  Meanwhile, a readout on the tele chat by a Downing Street spokesperson said

Johnson urged India to work with the United Kingdom to intensify efforts to promote peace and de-escalation in the war-hit region.

Both the leaders are said to have agreed that respect for international law was the only way forward, a Downing Street spokesperson said. 

“The leaders discussed the grave situation in Ukraine, and the Prime Minister said he believed the actions of Vladimir Putin’s regime were deeply disturbing and disastrous for the world,” the official said.

“The pair agreed that Ukraine’s integrity and territorial sovereignty must be respected. Russia needed to adhere to the UN Charter, the leaders said, and both agreed that respect for international law was the only way to ensure global peace and prosperity,” the spokesperson said.

Prime Minister Modi is said to have updated his UK counterpart on India’s support for the humanitarian situation in Ukraine during the call, while Johnson told him that “the UK and India should intensify efforts to promote peace and de-escalation in the region”.

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