Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on Monday May 2 for "dialogue" to end the war in Ukraine while refraining from condemning Russia for the invasion of its neighbor.

"From the beginning of the crisis in Ukraine, we immediately called for a ceasefire and stressed that dialogue was the only way to resolve the conflict," Narendra Modi told a conference in Berlin. press with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

"We believe that no side can emerge victorious from this war, everyone will suffer losses and that is why we are for peace," he added.

India is seeking a difficult balance between its relations with the West and those with Russia, which supplies it with much of its arms and energy needs.

She refrained from openly condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine and from joining the votes to that effect at the United Nations.

For his part, the German Chancellor once again repeated that Russia, by launching an invasion of Ukraine on February 24, had "challenged the fundamental principles of international law".

He also repeated his calls to Russian President Vladimir Putin to end this war.

The EU, an essential partner 

Before starting this European trip, Narendra Modi had indicated that his trip was aimed at "strengthening the spirit of cooperation" with European partners, "important companions in India's quest for peace and prosperity".  

At a press briefing on Sunday, Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said Narendra Modi should "exchange views" on the situation in Ukraine.  

>> To read also: War in Ukraine: India trapped by its proximity to Russia

European countries "not only understand but deeply appreciate" India's position on the conflict, he added.

However, according to Vinay Kwatra, Narendra Modi's tour aims above all to strengthen the bilateral partnership, particularly in trade, energy and sustainable development. 

In an interview with the Indian Express daily published on Monday, Olaf Scholz indicated that "Russia's attack on Ukraine would be at the top of the agenda". 

The German Chancellor also announced that he had invited Narendra Modi to the G7 leaders' summit next month, as part of a move to forge a broader alliance against Russia.

After Germany, the Nordic countries

According to Bloomberg News citing unnamed sources, Olaf Scholz had hesitated to confirm this invitation due to Narendra Modi's refusal to condemn the Russian invasion and the jump in Russian fossil fuel deliveries to India.

This trip to Germany is the first leg of his European tour.

The Indian prime minister is now due to travel to Copenhagen for an India-Nordic summit with the prime ministers of Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Norway on May 3-4. 

During a brief stopover in France on May 4, he will meet with President Emmanuel Macron to take stock of regional and global issues as well as bilateral cooperation, according to the statement. 

With AFP

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