Both leaders talked about sending aid to Ukraine
New Delhi: Amidst the Ukraine crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India's neutral stance on the war in Ukraine during his virtual meet with US President Joe Biden.
President Biden declared that the two nations are going to continue "close consultation on how to manage the destabilising effects of this Russian war".
While speaking of India's contributions to war-torn Ukraine in terms of medicines and relief material, PM Modi reminded the US President of New Delhi's condemnation of the Russian aggression against civilians in Ukraine's Bucha and expressed hope that the "ongoing talks between Russia and Ukraine will pave the way for peace".
Taking notes on the decision, Prime Minister Modi said, "I have spoken to the leaders of both Ukraine and Russia many times and urged them to directly talk."
"We hope that the ongoing talks between Russia and Ukraine will pave the way for peace," he added.
The virtual meet -- which PM Modi said was initiated by the US -- coincides with the maiden India-US 2+2 dialogue under the Biden administration. It also comes amid a fresh tranche of US sanctions against Russia and Washington's efforts for a stronger line against Moscow from New Delhi.
Various US leaders have made it clear that they are not comfortable with India's neutral stance. There has been concern over India's purchase of Russian oil and gas, despite the US pressure on world leaders to take a hard line against Moscow.
On March 21, President Biden said India was an exception among Washington's allies with its "somewhat shaky" response to the Russian offensive.
Biden said, "I want to welcome India's humanitarian support for the people of Ukraine, who are suffering a horrific assault, including a tragic shelling on a train station last week that killed dozens ... attempting to flee the violence".
PM Modi reminded the US leader that India has taken a strong line against the violence in Bucha.
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