Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on Monday, August 26, over the phone with US President Joe Biden and discussed the Ukraine-Russia conflict and the security of minorities, “especially Hindus,” in Bangladesh. Biden called the prime minister days after the latter returned from war-torn Ukraine, after concluding a historic visit.
“I spoke to @POTUS and @JoeBiden on the 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 the early return of peace and stability. We also discussed the situation in Bangladesh and stressed the need to restore normalcy early and ensure the safety of minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh,” PM Modi posted on X.
What did PM Modi and Biden discuss?
According to officials, while discussing the situation in Ukraine, Prime Minister Modi briefed President Biden on his recent visit to Ukraine. He reiterated India’s consistent position in favour of dialogue and diplomacy and expressed full support for the early return of peace and stability.
“Both leaders expressed their shared concern over the situation in Bangladesh. They stressed the need to restore law and order and ensure the security of minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh,” the officials said. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to further strengthen cooperation in multilateral fora, including the Quad.
The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for President Biden’s deep commitment to the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, which is based on shared values of democracy, rule of law, and strong people-to-people ties. “The leaders reviewed significant progress in bilateral relations and stressed that the India-US partnership is aimed at benefiting the people of both countries as well as all of humanity,” the officials said.
The two world leaders spoke on Monday as the situation in Ukraine and Bangladesh remains tense, due to the prolonged war with Russia in the former and violent protests in the latter. The Prime Minister had earlier expressed concern over the situation of religious minorities, especially Hindus in Bangladesh, which was inundated with reports of attacks on Hindus after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country following violent student agitation.
Prime Minister Modi visits Ukraine
Prime Minister Modi paid a one-day visit to Ukraine on August 23, following a trip to Poland. He became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Ukraine since its independence. He met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in kyiv and offered assistance in bringing peace to the region. He also promised that India will always stand by Ukraine in terms of humanitarian assistance.
PM Modi noted that India has stayed away from the Russia-Ukraine war, but stressed that it has “never been neutral” and has always been “in favour of peace”.
“The second path we have taken is not to go to war. We have stayed away from war with conviction, but that does not mean we are neutral. We have never been neutral. We have been in favour of peace from day one. I have come to Ukrainian soil with a message of peace,” Prime Minister Modi told Zelensky.
“I want to assure you that India is ready to play an active role in peace efforts. Personally, if I could contribute, I would certainly want to do so as a friend,” he said.
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