India is deeply concerned about the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its impact on the Global South, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an interview to a French newspaper. India has always stood for peaceful resolution of differences through dialogue and diplomacy, and for respecting sovereignty of all nations, he said.

Mr. Modi has spoken several times with President Vladimir Putin of Russia and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine to underscore India's willingness to support all genuine efforts that can help bring this conflict to an end.

India stands for respective international laws and the rules-based international order, he said, reiterating that all countries have an obligation to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries, to abide by international law and to adhere to the U.N. charter.

The Prime Minister also addressed concerns about China's aggression in the region. He said the partnership between India and France, including in the Indo-Pacific region, is not directed against or at the expense of any country. India aims to safeguard its economic and security interests, ensure freedom of navigation and commerce, advance the rule of international law in the region, and advance peace and stability in the region, he said.

Mr. Modi also asserted that rights of the Global South have been long denied, and collective strength and leadership for the bloc is needed so that its voice can become stronger. India is willing to be that strong shoulder that can propel the Global South ahead, he said.

India and France have a broad-based and comprehensive strategic partnership that encompasses political, defence, security, economic, human-centric development and sustainability cooperation, he noted.

The Prime Minister also strongly batted for reforms in the U.N. Security Council, saying the global body in particular epitomises the dissonance in the changed world. Its skewed membership leads to opaque decision-making processes, which adds to its helplessness in addressing the challenges of today, he added.