Discussed the need for lasting peace in Ukraine: Starmer after talks with PM Modi

Mumbai: The Russia-Ukraine conflict and Indian imports of Russian were are a part of discussion between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Keir Starmer in Mumbai on Thursday.

The two Prime Ministers expressed support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine in accordance with international law including the UN Charter and welcomed the ongoing diplomatic efforts by various countries to achieve this, according to the India-UK joint statement.

“In today's meeting, we also shared views on the Indo-Pacific, peace and stability in West Asia, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. On the issues of the Ukraine conflict and Gaza, India supports all efforts to restore peace through dialogue and diplomacy. We are fully committed to enhancing maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region,” said Modi.

“The Prime Minister and I also discussed the need for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, the need for stability and security in the Indo-Pacific, and the need to cooperate in critical areas like climate and energy, including breaking away from dependence on fossil fuels,” added Starmer.

“India and the UK are natural partners. Our relationship is built on the shared values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. In today’s time of global uncertainty, our growing partnership stands as an important pillar of global stability and economic progress,” said Modi.

During an interaction with reporters, when Starmer was asked whether he raised the issue of India buying Russian oil, Starmer said: “Regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, I had a conversation with Prime Minister Modi, and we are taking steps to bring a resolution to the conflict.”

On being asked about reducing Indian imports of Russian oil, the visiting Prime Minister said: “We did discuss this and looked at, particularly, the outcome that we both want. PM Modi and I focus on ending this conflict and the various steps that could be taken, and that was a wide-ranging discussion, but we did set out the steps that we are taking in relation to energy, particularly on the Shadow Fleet and the work of the Coalition of the Willing.”