Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kyiv on August 22, marking the first visit by an Indian head of government to Ukraine since its independence in 1991.
PM Modi’s visit comes amid ongoing hostilities between Ukraine and Russia, underscoring India's concern over the conflict's impact on global stability.
After a grueling 10-hour train journey from Poland, Modi was met with a warm reception from the Indian community at the Hyatt Hotel in Kyiv. His arrival was closely followed by a visit to the National Museum of History, where he toured the Martyrologist exposition dedicated to children who have fallen victim to the conflict.
The poignant display deeply moved Modi, who placed a toy as a tribute to the young lives lost, reflecting his deep empathy for the Ukrainian people.
The visit has been marked by a series of high-profile engagements. Modi's initial stop included paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue in Kyiv's 'Oasis of Peace' park, where he extolled Gandhi's message of non-violence as a beacon for resolving contemporary global issues.
Modi’s remarks emphasised the timeless relevance of Gandhi's principles in addressing current conflicts.
Modi's schedule in Kyiv includes both one-on-one and delegation-level talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The discussions are expected to focus on fostering peace and stability in Ukraine and the broader region.
The Indian Prime Minister's visit, lasting approximately seven hours, is a significant diplomatic gesture aimed at reinforcing India's support for Ukraine amidst its ongoing crisis.
This visit comes in the wake of Modi’s recent high-profile trip to Moscow, which had stirred discontent among Western nations due to its timing and implications.
Modi's trip to Kyiv is seen as a balancing act, aligning India's foreign policy stance more closely with a broader international consensus on the Ukraine conflict.
In a statement to the media, PM Modi reiterated India's commitment to peace through dialogue and diplomacy. He underscored the importance of addressing conflicts through negotiation rather than warfare, highlighting the profound humanitarian concerns arising from the loss of innocent lives.
"No problem can be solved on the battlefield," Modi asserted, stressing out India’s dedication to supporting diplomatic efforts for a peaceful resolution.
Modi’s engagement with Zelenskyy is part of a broader diplomatic effort.
The Indian Prime Minister had previously met Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Italy’s Apulia in June.
During that meeting, Modi had assured Zelenskyy of India’s continued support for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, emphasizing a "human-centric" approach to problem-solving.
In addition to his talks with Zelenskyy, Modi's visit follows recent discussions with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, where he expressed grave concern over ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia.
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