New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that India supports all peaceful efforts to end the Ukraine conflict.

Addressing the plenary session of the seventh Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok on a virtual platform, Prime Minister Modi said that India has been stressing the need for adopting the path of diplomacy and dialogue right from the time the Ukraine conflict began. He said that the global supply chains have been badly hit by the COVID 19 pandemic and the Ukraine conflict. “ The scarcity of foodgrains, fertilizers and fuel is a cause of huge concern for developing countries. In this context, we also welcome the recent agreememt  related to the safe export of cereals and fertilizers, “ he said.

The Prime Minister said that India was the first country to establish a consulate in Vladivostok thirty years ago. “This month, we will complete thirty years of the establishment of the consulate. Over 30 years, Vladivostik has witnessed many milestones in our relations with Russia.’’

Modi said that the Eastern Economic Forum set up in 2015 has become a prominent international platform of international cooperation in development of Far East. " For this, I would like to compliment and congratulate President Putin for his far-sighted vision.’’

The Prime Minister recalled that he had a chance to take part in this forum in 2019. “ At that time, we had announced the ‘Act Far-East’ policy. As a result, India’s cooperation with Russian Far East has increased in many areas, Today, this policy has become a prominent pillar of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia.’’

The Prime Minister added, “ Connectivity will play a crucial role in the progress of our ties-whether we talk of the International North-South Corridor, Vladivostok Maritime Corridor or Northern Sea Route.

Modi said that India is keen to strengthen its partnership with Russia in Arctic related issues. “ There are many possibilities for cooperation in the energy sector. Alongside energy, India has made crucial investment in areas related to pharma and diamonds.

The Prime Minister said that Russia can become an important partner of India’s steel industry through the supply of cooking coal. “ Mobilization of talent between the two countries can also be an avenue of cooperation. “ I am confident that talent and professionalism of Indians can expedite development in Russian Far East.Talented Indians have contributed in development of many resource rich areas across the world.’’

Modi said that India's ancient doctrine " Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam; has taught us to see the world as a family. In today's world, events in one part of ythe world create an impact on the whole worl

He thanked President Putin for giving him the opportunity to address the forum and extended warm greetings to all the participants.