Kiev, Ukraine: In a significant diplomatic move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a historic visit to Ukraine, underscoring India’s commitment to fostering peace amid the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The visit, described by Modi as “special,” saw meaningful discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, where the Indian Prime Minister assured his personal commitment to ending the conflict.
Taking to social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi called his visit to Ukraine “historic” and emphasised the deepening ties between India and Ukraine. “I came to this great country with the aim of strengthening India-Ukraine friendship,” Modi wrote. He expressed gratitude to the Ukrainian government and its people for their hospitality, reiterating India’s firm belief that “peace should always prevail.”
During his visit, Modi held in-depth discussions with President Zelensky, advocating for dialogue as the path to resolving the ongoing war with Russia. He reaffirmed India’s readiness to play an active role in any effort aimed at achieving peace. “India is prepared to contribute actively to every initiative for peace,” Modi stated.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been ongoing since Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022. Given India’s long-standing relationship with Russia, Modi’s visit to Ukraine is being seen as a delicate diplomatic balancing act. The visit to Kiev comes just six weeks after Modi’s trip to Russia, where he engaged in detailed discussions with President Vladimir Putin about a potential ceasefire.
Before arriving in Kiev, Modi had also held talks with Zelensky on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Apulia, Italy, in June. During those discussions, Modi had reiterated India’s commitment to supporting a peaceful resolution to the conflict, emphasising that “peace can only be restored through dialogue and diplomacy.”
Prime Minister Modi’s arrival in Kiev on a special train on Friday morning is being viewed as a strategic move, particularly after his visit to Russia sparked discontent in some Western quarters. This latest diplomatic endeavour highlights India’s ongoing efforts to maintain a balanced foreign policy, while also contributing to global peace initiatives.
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