Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kyiv on Friday morning, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Ukraine since the country gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. This is after Modi’s two-day trip to Poland and it comes at the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Modi landed in Kyiv around 7:30 AM local time and was greeted by members of the Indian diaspora who chanted “Bharat Mata ki Jai” upon his arrival at the hotel shortly after. The Prime Minister met President Zelenskyy and discussed various aspects of bilateral relations.
This visit occurs amidst heightened scrutiny from the West regarding India’s longstanding ties with Russia, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine. India’s neutral stance has drawn criticism, especially after PM Modi’s recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which coincided with a Russian strike on a children’s hospital in Kyiv.
Before his trip, PM Modi stated, “As a friend and partner, India hopes for an early return of peace and stability in the region,” referring to the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
The agenda for PM Modi’s visit includes discussions on a wide range of topics, such as political relations, trade, economic investments, education, cultural exchanges and humanitarian assistance.
Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, restated that lasting peace can only be achieved through mutually acceptable solutions and a negotiated settlement. “It’s not a zero-sum game.”
PM Modi’s visit to Ukraine comes just weeks after his high-profile discussions with President Putin in Moscow, where he sought to address the ongoing conflict. Despite facing criticism for his close ties with Russia, India has maintained a balanced approach, continuing trade with Moscow while also providing humanitarian support to Ukraine, including essential medicines.
Former Indian ambassador to Russia, Skand Ranjan Tayal, believes that PM Modi will use this visit to reassure President Zelenskyy of India’s commitment to friendship and cooperation with Ukraine. “He is likely to convey the message that India is ready to walk the path of friendship and cooperation with the people of Ukraine,” Tayal stated.
During his brief seven-hour stay in Kyiv, PM Modi will engage in both one-on-one and delegation-level talks with Ukrainian officials, further solidifying India’s role as a potential mediator in the ongoing conflict.
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