Danish Prime Mette Frederiksen expressed hope that India would ‘use its influence’ over Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine, PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday appealed for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the crisis.
“We appeal for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy for resolving the crisis,” Modi told reporters. The two leaders discussed the Ukraine crisis and several regional and global issues including increasing trade relations and cooperation in the field of mitigating the impact of climate change during their bilateral talks at the Danish Prime Minister’s official residence in Marienburg. Frederiksen hoped that India will influence Russia on Ukraine and asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to “stop this war and end the killings”.
“They unequivocally condemned civilian deaths in Ukraine. They reiterated the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities. They emphasised that the contemporary global order has been built on the UN Charter, international law and respect for sovereignty and the territorial integrity of states,” it said. “The two leaders also discussed the destabilising effect of the conflict in Ukraine and its broader regional and global implications and agreed to remain closely engaged on the issue.” Modi expressed hope that the negotiations on the India-European Free Trade Agreement will be concluded as soon as possible. “We have also emphasised a free, open, inclusive and ruled-based Indo-Pacific region,” the Prime Minister said.
Frederiksen received PM Modi at the airport. The two leaders were photographed chatting as they took a stroll on the expansive lawns of the 18th-century country home located on a hilltop. The two leaders also recalled the India-EU Connectivity Partnership and agreed to support efforts towards its early implementation.
Modi also addressed the India-Denmark Business Forum and was scheduled to speak to the Indian diaspora in the Nordic nation.