Only dialogue, diplomacy can end Ukraine conflict, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated that return to dialogue and diplomacy was the only way forward to end the Ukraine conflict. He also called upon G20 leaders assembled in Bali to find a mutually agreeable solution to global supply chain issues.

While addressing the G20 Summit session on food and energy security, the PM said: "We have to find a way to return to the path of ceasefire and diplomacy in Ukraine."

Terming India's energy security important for global growth, Modi, in a subtle message on the oil price cap against imports from Russia, said one should not promote restrictions on energy supply and stability in the energy market should be ensured.

The PM said: "Over the past century, the Second World War wreaked havoc in the world. After that, the leaders of that time made a serious effort to take the path of peace. Now, it's our turn. The onus of creating a new world order for the post-Covid period lies on our shoulders. The need of the hour is to show concrete and collective resolve to ensure peace, harmony and security in the world."

"Global supply chains are in ruins. There is a crisis of essentials and essential goods all over the world. The challenge for the poor citizens of every country is more severe. Everyday life was already a struggle for them. They do not have the financial capacity to deal with the double whammy. Due to the double whammy, they lack the financial capacity to handle it. We should also not hesitate to acknowledge that multilateral institutions such as the UN have been unsuccessful on these issues. And we have all failed to make suitable reforms to them. Therefore, today the world has greater expectations from the G20 and the relevance of our group has become more significant," Modi said.

Modi said the fertiliser shortage "is tomorrow's food crisis", and the world will not have a solution. "Millets can also solve global malnutrition and hunger. We must celebrate the International Year of Millets with great enthusiasm next year," the PM said. (Courtesy Economic Times)