London/New Delhi, March 23 (FN Agency) UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson during his phone conversation with Prime Minster Narendra Modi said he believed the actions of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “regime were deeply disturbing and disastrous for the world”. According to a UK readout of Tuesday’s phone conversation, “the two leaders discussed the grave situation in Ukraine, and the Prime Minister said he believed the actions of Putin’s regime were deeply disturbing and disastrous for the world.” The two leaders agreed that Ukraine’s integrity and territorial sovereignty must be respected. Russia needed to adhere to the UN Charter, the leaders said, and both agreed that respect for international law was the only way to ensure global peace and prosperity.
Prime Minister Modi updated on India’s support for the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, and the Prime Minister Johnson said the UK and India “should intensify efforts to promote peace and de-escalation in the region”. The leaders welcomed India and the UK’s strong and prosperous relationship, and agreed to continue to build on trade, security and business ties in the coming weeks and months. They looked forward to meeting in person at the earliest opportunity, it said. According to an Indian readout, the two leaders “had a detailed discussion on the situation in Ukraine. Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s consistent appeal for cessation of hostilities and a return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy. He emphasised India’s belief in respect for international law and the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states, as the basis of the contemporary world order.
The two leaders also discussed issues of bilateral interests and agreed on the potential of further deepening co-operation in various areas, including trade, technology, investments, defence & security, and people-to-people relations. Modi expressed his satisfaction at the positive momentum in the ongoing negotiations on the bilateral Free Trade Agreement and also appreciated the progress in implementing the ‘India-UK Roadmap 2030’ adopted during the Virtual Summit between both leaders last year, said the statement. The Prime Minister conveyed his desire to welcome Johnson in India at an early date, as per mutual convenience, it added.