Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside EU leader Ursula von der Leyen, expressed support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, based on respect for international law, the principles of the UN Charter, and Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. This stance was reaffirmed in a joint leaders’ statement following their meeting on Friday.
The leaders also reiterated their commitment to a “two-state solution” for Israel and Palestine, with both nations coexisting peacefully within recognized borders, in accordance with international law. This is the first time India has publicly supported the two-state solution at the highest level since President Donald Trump unveiled his Gaza plan.
India’s solidarity with the EU on Ukraine is particularly significant, especially in light of recent developments in the UN. This week, EU states, led by France, succeeded in moderating the US’s “forward-looking resolution” on Ukraine in the General Assembly, which called for a lasting peace without explicitly emphasizing justice and comprehensiveness. The language of the India-EU leaders’ statement closely mirrored one of the three amendments France introduced to the resolution, advocating for a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in Ukraine that respects the UN Charter and the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
As a result of these amendments, the US was forced to abstain from voting on its own resolution in the General Assembly. However, the original resolution was later adopted in the Security Council with 10 votes in favor. The UK, France, and other EU members—Greece, Slovenia, and Denmark—abstained from voting.
Interestingly, neither Modi nor von der Leyen directly addressed the Ukraine issue in their media statements following the meeting. While von der Leyen described India as a pillar of stability in an increasingly uncertain world, she only mentioned that authoritarian states are growing bolder, disregarding borders, and threatening peace at sea.
Earlier, in a public event, von der Leyen criticized Russia for attempting to dismantle Ukraine and reiterated that the EU’s goal is for any peace talks to lead to a “just and lasting” peace. Reflecting on India’s concerns over China’s expansionism, she warned that a failed Ukraine would not only weaken Europe but also escalate challenges in other parts of the world. She emphasized that countries worldwide are closely watching whether there will be consequences for invading a neighbor or violating international borders. “Peace, security, and prosperity are indivisible in this world,” she said.
The EU visit, marking von der Leyen’s first trip accompanied by the full College of Commissioners, had been planned for nearly six months but occurred amid growing tensions within the transatlantic alliance, fueled by Trump’s policies. In a reflection on global conflicts, the president noted that wars and coups have erupted across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, stressing that events in one region impact both Europe and India.
Von der Leyen concluded by expressing that a free and prosperous Ukraine could eventually join the European family. She also highlighted Europe’s commitment to increasing defense spending to ensure that EU member states have access to the capabilities needed to address the new global security landscape.
