With the Ukraine conflict showing no sign of coming to an end even after seven months, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday called for dialogue and diplomacy to usher in peace and said the war and Covid-19 pandemic have had a “major impact” on global supply chains.
He also said India is keen to strengthen its partnership with Russia on Arctic subjects and there is immense scope for cooperation in the field of energy as well. Modi made these assertions in an online plenary session at the Eastern Economic Forum organised in Vladivostok, Russia. President Vladimir Putin attended the conclave.
Both the leaders are likely to meet on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Uzbekistan on September 15-16. However, there is no clarity on the meeting between Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping there. They may hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Indonesia in November.
Meanwhile, reiterating the country’s stand for a peaceful resolution of the ongoing Ukraine conflict, Modi said the ongoing shortages of food grains, fertilisers and fuel are a “great concern” for developing countries.
Since the start of the Russian military action in Ukraine, Modi has called for an end to hostilities and suggested there should be direct talks between the Russian and Ukrainian presidents.
During the ongoing session in Vladivostok, the Prime Minister said, “The Ukraine conflict and the Covid pandemic have had a major impact on global supply chains. Food grains, fertilisers and fuel shortages are of great concern to developing countries.”
Addressing the session in Hindi, he said, “we support all peaceful efforts to end this conflict. In this regard, we also welcome the recent consensus on the safe export of cereals and fertilizers,” referring to the UN-brokered deal to resume exports of Ukrainian grain.
Modi said India’s ancient principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” has “taught us to see the world as one family”. He added, “In today’s globalised world, events in one part of the world create an impact on the whole world.”
On bilateral cooperation in Russia’s Far East, Modi recalled his in-person participation in the Eastern Economic Forum in 2019, when he had announced India’s “Act Far East” policy.
“As a result, India’s cooperation with various sectors in Russia’s Far East has increased. Today, this policy has become an important pillar of the India-Russia special and privileged strategic partnership,” he said.
Whether it is the International North-South Transport Corridor, the Chennai-Vladivostok maritime corridor or the Northern Sea Route, connectivity will play an important role in the development of India-Russia relations in future, the Prime Minister said.
He said India is keen to strengthen its partnership with Russia on Arctic subjects and there is immense scope for cooperation in the field of energy. Along with energy, India has made significant investments in Russia’s Far East in the fields of pharmaceuticals and diamonds, he added.
Russia can become an important partner for the Indian steel industry through the supply of coking coal, Modi said, adding, “Indian talent has contributed to the development of many resource-rich regions of the world. I believe that the talent and professionalism of Indians can bring about rapid development in the Russian Far East.”
Modi also noted that this month marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Indian consulate in Vladivostok. “India was the first country to open a consulate in this city. Since then, this city has witnessed many milestones in our relationship,” he said.
The Eastern Economic Forum established in 2015 has also become an important platform for international cooperation in the progress of the Russian Far East. “For this, I laud the farsightedness of President Putin and congratulate him,” Modi said.
The theme of this year’s session is “On the Path to a Multipolar World,” and also includes key events such as “The Far East Street” exhibition which showcases the economic, investment and tourism opportunities of all the 11 regions of the Russian Far East.