Warsaw [Poland], August 23: Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he supports Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi playing the role of mediator between Ukraine and Russia.
"I am very pleased that the prime minister has reaffirmed his willingness to work personally for a peaceful, just and swift end to the war," Tusk said in Warsaw after talks with Modi.
Modi said during a press conference that he believed the conflict could not be resolved on the battlefield. In the afternoon, Modi met with Polish President Andrzej Duda.
India engages diplomatically with both Ukraine and Russia - and has repeatedly criticized Western sanctions on Moscow. New Delhi has repeatedly called for a ceasefire in Ukraine, but refrained from condemning Russia's assault as it seeks to maintain relations with Moscow - a long-standing partner it sees as key to balancing a strained relationship with China.
Modi has been keen to be seen as a peacemaker between the warring sides. He met Russian President Vladimir Putin near Moscow in July. Video of the two leaders embracing raised eyebrows in Europe and Washington, especially as it came shortly after a deadly Russian strike on a paediatric hospital in Kiev.
Analysts said it showed the failure of efforts by Western powers to isolate Putin in the wake of his all-out invasion of Ukraine. Modi plans to travel on from Warsaw to Kiev, where he is scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky had condemned Modi's talks with Putin.
Modi's visit to Poland was the first by an Indian prime minister since 1979.
Poland is a key military supporters of Ukraine. The European Union and NATO member state also plays a critical role as a logistical hub for Western aid to Kiev.
Speaking to members of the Indian diaspora in Warsaw after his arrival Tuesday, Modi said India is stressing "diplomacy and dialogue."
"India's view is absolutely clear - this is not the era of war," Modi said, adding that the country was a "big advocate of permanent peace in this region."
Source: Qatar Tribune