PM Modi advocates peace in his Poland speech ahead of Ukraine visit

PM Modi's visit to Ukraine will be the first by an Indian PM since the country became independent in 1991

ANI

Updated At : 09:12 AM Aug 22, 2024 IST

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends a wreath laying ceremony in honour of the "Good Maharaja" Jam Sahib of Nawanagar, in Warsaw, Poland, on August 21, 2024. PTI

Warsaw, August 22

Ahead of his visit to Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that India has always advocated permanent peace in the region, adding that it believes in dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflict.

PM Modi reiterated that "this is not an era of war" as he addressed the Indian community event in Poland's Warsaw.

"India is the land of Lord Buddha's legacy. Therefore, India does not believe in war and advocates peace in this region. India is an advocate of permanent peace in this region. India's concept is clear: this is not an era of war, and it is the time to unite to tackle the biggest challenges of humanity. Thus, India believes in dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflict," PM Modi said.

PM Modi is in Poland, the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in more than four decades.

Modi said that India's strategy is to maintain equal closeness with all nations as compared to its previous policy of remaining equidistant.

While addressing Indian community members in Warsaw, PM Modi said, "For decades, India had a policy to maintain distance from all the countries. However, the policy of today's India is to have equal closeness with all countries. The India of today wants to connect with all. Today's India talks about the development of all. Today's India is with all and thinks about the interests of all.

After concluding his visit to Poland tomorrow, PM Modi will head to Ukraine at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelensky. PM Modi's visit to Ukraine will be the first by an Indian PM since the country became independent in 1991.

"We are proud that today, world respects India as 'Vishwabandhu'. You also feel the same here. My information is correct, right? he asked the crowd. The enthusiastic audience responded yes.

While addressing Indian community members in Poland's Warsaw, PM Modi stated, "Today itself I got the opportunity to pay tribute at Monte Cassino Memorial. This memorial reminds us of the sacrifice of thousands of Indian soldiers. This is proof of how Indians have performed their duty in every corner of the world."