Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in war-torn Kyiv on August 23 at the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to push for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The visit is significant as it marks the first time an Indian Prime Minister has visited Ukraine since the establishment of bilateral relations in 1992. Upon his arrival in Kyiv after a 10-hour train journey on Rail Force One from Poland, PM Modi was warmly welcomed at the station. He then proceeded to the Hyatt Hotel for initial meetings, where members of the Indian diaspora greeted him enthusiastically.
The primary focus of PM Modi’s visit is to discuss a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. India is viewed as playing a potentially constructive role in mediating between the two nations. “I look forward to the opportunity to build upon earlier conversations with President Zelensky on strengthening bilateral cooperation and share perspectives on the peaceful resolution of the ongoing Ukraine conflict,” PM Modi had said before his departure from Delhi.
PM Modi’s visit also comes nearly six weeks after his trip to Moscow and meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which triggered objections from the West.
Earlier in a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted that PM Modi’s engagements in Kyiv will encompass a broad range of bilateral ties, including political, trade, economic, investments, education, cultural exchanges, and humanitarian assistance, among others.
The Ukrainian President’s office also emphasised the importance of this visit, noting that the talks between PM Modi and President Zelensky will cover bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Additionally, a number of documents between Ukraine and India are expected to be signed during this visit.
