Narendra Modi says Ukraine issue could be solved through dialogue and diplomacy

"All countries have been affected by the crisis of food, fuel and fertilizers arising out of the Covid pandemic and the Ukraine conflict," Modi said while addressing a joint press conference with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni.

"These have had a particularly negative impact on the developing countries. We have expressed our shared concern about this and have emphasized upon joint efforts to solve these problems," he said.

"We are also giving priority to this subject during India's G20 presidency. From the very beginning of the Ukraine conflict, India has made it clear that this dispute can only be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy and India is fully prepared to contribute to any peace process," he said.

"We also welcome Italy's active participation in the Indo-Pacific," Modi said.

Modi further said Italy has decided to join the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative.

"This will enable us to identify concrete themes for enhancing our cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Reforms in multilateral institutions are necessary to reflect global realities in a better manner. We discussed this topic as well," he said.