PM Modi-Macron voice serious concerns over Ukraine

New Delhi: India and France have expressed serious concerns over the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine that began February 24 and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

The Ukraine issue did find a mention in the joint statement following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interaction with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.

The two countries expressed serious concern at the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine, the joint statement said.

"They (India and France) unequivocally condemned civilian deaths in Ukraine and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities to bring parties together to promote dialogue and diplomacy to find an immediate end to the suffering of the people," the joint statement added.

France reiterated its strong condemnation of the unlawful and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine by Vladimir Putin's Forces. Both countries underlined the need to respect the UN Charter, international law and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, the statement said.

The two leaders discussed the regional and global implications of the conflict and agreed to intensify coordination on the issue.

India and France also expressed deep concern about the current aggravation of global food security and nutrition, already impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, and especially in developing countries.

They are committed to enabling a coordinated, multilateral response to address the risk of aggravated food crisis because of the conflict in Ukraine, including through initiatives such as the Food and Agriculture Resilience Mission (FARM), which aims at ensuring well-functioning markets, solidarity and long-term resilience, the joint statement said.

Before the attack, Ukraine exported steel, coal, fuel and petroleum products, chemicals, machinery and transport equipment, besides foodgrains like barley, corn and wheat and edible oil. (UNI)