Outrage justifiable, Modi tells Malay PM as India takes cautious approach

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday said there was “justifiable outrage across the world” at the loss of lives on board Malaysian Airlines MH17 and supported efforts to establish the circumstances of the “incident”. The aircraft was shot down while flying over Ukraine two days back triggering a blame-game between Russia, Ukraine and the West.

In a letter offering his condolences to Malaysian prime minister Mohammad Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak, Modi also pledged support to efforts for an investigation that can help establish the exact circumstances” in which the incident took place.

Modi also recalled the tragedy that befell Malaysian Airlines Flight 370 which disappeared some months ago during a flight, saying there was “still no closure” on that incident.

Modi’s letter was part of New Delhi’s cautious approach in taking a position on the shooting down of the aircraft. Apart from Modi’s condolence letters, New Delhi has not made a statement on the incident that has become the latest trigger for the West to sharpen their attack on the Russians over Ukraine.

India had earlier said Russia has legitimate interest in Ukraine while hoping for a peaceful resolution of the crisis. India had also underlined its traditional position on “unity and territorial integrity” of countries being preserved.

Indian position had factored in both its special ties with Russia and its traditional position on the sovereignity and integrity of countries. Though these positions were articulated by the previous government, there seems to be no change in India’s close ties with Russia. During his meeting with President Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, Modi had said even a child in India will say Russia is India’s closest friend.