Narendra Modi calls for immediate ceasefire in Ukraine

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (3) appealed for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, even as his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen hoped New Delhi will use its influence over Russia to end the war.

The two leaders discussed the Ukraine crisis and several regional and global issues including increasing trade relations during their bilateral talks at the Danish prime minister's official residence in Mareinborg near Copenhagen.

“We appeal for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy for resolving the crisis,” Modi told reporters.

Frederiksen asked Russian president Vladimir Putin to "stop this war and end the killings".

“My message is very clear that Putin has got to stop this war and to end the killings. I, of course, hope that India will influence Russia also in this,” she said.

In a joint statement, the two prime ministers “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,” they said in the statement.

The two leaders also discussed the destabilising effect of the conflict and its broader regional and global implications and agreed to remain closely engaged on the issue.

Modi expressed the 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 rules-based Indo-Pacific region,” the prime minister said.

Modi noted that more than 200 Danish companies were operating in India benefiting from the ease of doing business and comprehensive economic reforms.

“India's infrastructure sector and green energy industry present immense opportunities for investments to Danish companies and Danish Pension Funds,” he said.

Earlier, Frederiksen was at the airport to receive Modi. She extended a warm welcome to Modi at her official residence in Marienborg overlooking the Bagsvaerd Lake.

The two leaders were seen chatting as they took a stroll on the expansive lawns of the 18th-century country home located on a hilltop about 15 km from Copenhagen.

Members of the Indian diaspora, dressed in traditional Maharashtrian attire, had turned up at the airport.

The two leaders appreciated the progress in the restart of negotiations on the India-EU Trade, Investment and Geographical Indicators Agreements and called for a mutually beneficial approach.

They also welcomed the launch of the Trade and Technology Council between the EU and India, underlining the importance of strategic collaboration in trade, technology and security.

The two leaders recalled the India-EU Connectivity Partnership and agreed to support efforts towards its early implementation.

Modi also addressed the India-Denmark Business Forum.

He visited Berlin on Monday (2) where he met German chancellor Olaf Scholz.

(PTI)