In a recent conversation, U.S. President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful resolution of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, emphasizing adherence to international law and the principles outlined in the United Nations (UN) Charter. The White House issued a statement on Monday following their phone discussion, underscoring the leaders’ mutual understanding on the importance of respecting Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty—key issues threatened by the ongoing Russian invasion that began in February 2022.
Prime Minister Modi shared details of their conversation through a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. “Spoke to @POTUS @JoeBiden on 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 early return of peace and stability,” Modi wrote. His use of “POTUS” referred to the President of the United States, while “@POTUS” is Biden’s official account on the social media platform.
Modi’s comments highlighted the discussions about the Ukraine conflict, in which both leaders expressed the need for peace and stability in the region. The White House statement reiterated this stance, noting that Biden and Modi “affirmed their continued support for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in accordance with international law, on the basis of the UN Charter.”
During their conversation, the situation in Bangladesh was also a topic of concern. Prime Minister Modi noted in his post that the leaders discussed the need for an early restoration of normalcy in Bangladesh, with particular emphasis on ensuring the safety and security of minority communities, especially Hindus. This reflects a broader regional focus in their dialogue, addressing not only the immediate conflict in Ukraine but also other areas of unrest in South Asia.
The White House statement added another dimension to the conversation, with President Biden commending Prime Minister Modi for his recent historic visits to Poland and Ukraine. These visits marked the first time in decades that an Indian Prime Minister had traveled to these nations, signaling India’s active role in global diplomatic efforts. Biden praised Modi’s message of peace and India’s ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine, particularly in the energy sector, which has been significantly impacted by the war.
Furthermore, the leaders emphasized their ongoing commitment to collaborating on peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. This includes working through regional partnerships such as the Quad, an alliance comprising the United States, India, Japan, and Australia, which focuses on maintaining stability and security in the Indo-Pacific.
While the White House statement mentioned that Biden and Modi discussed the upcoming annual meetings of the UN General Assembly, it did not confirm whether the two leaders would meet on the sidelines of the event. However, it is anticipated that Prime Minister Modi will attend the meeting and address the UN General Assembly.
The conversation between President Biden and Prime Minister Modi highlighted the leaders’ shared commitment to resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict peacefully, respecting international law, and upholding the UN Charter. Their dialogue also extended to other regional issues, including the situation in Bangladesh and their joint efforts to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. As global leaders, Biden and Modi continue to engage in meaningful discussions that address both immediate and long-term challenges on the international stage.
