New Delhi, March 16 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated that diplomacy remains the only viable solution to the Russia-Ukraine war, urging both sides to engage in direct negotiations.
Speaking on the Lex Fridman Podcast, Modi cautioned against reliance on military victories and called for immediate dialogue between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“I have a close relationship with both Russia and Ukraine,” Modi said.
“I can sit with President Putin and tell him that this is not the time for war. And I can also tell President Zelensky that, no matter how many allies stand with you, the solution will not come from the battlefield.”
He stressed that Ukraine’s discussions with its allies alone would not yield results. “
For peace, both parties must be at the table,” he stated, bringing out the prolonged global impact of the war, particularly on the Global South.
“The world is suffering—a crisis in food, fuel, and fertilizer continues. The global community must unite for peace.”
Modi’s remarks come amid renewed efforts to mediate an end to the war. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has left hundreds of thousands dead, displaced millions, and led to unprecedented tensions between Moscow and the West.
The US recently agreed to resume military aid to Ukraine following Kyiv’s support for a proposed 30-day ceasefire, while Putin said Russia is open to talks but insists on conditions regarding NATO and territorial claims.
