Both governments announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday night about the situation in Ukraine. In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office said the two leaders had a “detailed discussion” during which Mr. Modi “reiterated India’s consistent appeal” for a ceasefire and a return to diplomacy, but made no mention of Russia.
According to the statement, “[PM Modi] emphasized India’s belief in respect for international law, as well as the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states, as the foundation of the contemporary world order.”
The UK Prime Minister’s office, on the other hand, claimed that the two leaders had specifically agreed that “Russia must adhere to the UN Charter” and that “Ukraine’s integrity and territorial sovereignty must be respected.”
The MEA remained silent on the disparity in statements. India has so far voted against all UN resolutions criticizing Russia’s actions, and none of India’s official bilateral statements specifically mention the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Call between PM Modi and PM Johnson
The call between the two prime ministers comes ahead of Mr. Johnson’s expected visit to Delhi in April for a bilateral summit, which has been postponed twice due to the Covid pandemic. Prior to Mr. Johnson’s visit, US Foreign Secretary Liz Truss will visit Delhi on March 29-31, one of a number of visits by Western diplomats and leaders this month seeking a shift in India’s position.
“The Prime Minister expressed his desire to welcome PM Johnson to India as soon as possible, as mutually convenient,” according to the PMO statement.