Diplomatic efforts should be applied to achieve peace in Ukraine, while the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state must be treated with respect, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said.

India has stayed out of the war, but it never was just an indifferent observer, he said during a meeting with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Friday, adding that India was never neutral and stood on the side of peace. Modi emphasized that he came to the Ukrainian soil with a message of peace.

The Indian Prime Minister addressed Ukraine and the world, saying that respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is of primary importance for India.

Modi recalled that a few days ago he hosted the third Voice of the Global South Summit, which brought together 120 countries. He said that on behalf of these Global South countries, he came with a message of peace.

The only way to solve problems is through dialogue and diplomacy, he said, emphasizing that this should be done without wasting time. Both sides will have to sit together and look for ways out of this crisis, Modi said.

He also said that India is ready to actively contribute to the peace settlement.