In a landmark visit to Kyiv, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, reiterating India's commitment to peace. This visit marks the first time an Indian prime minister has set foot in Ukraine since it gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. During his historic meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, PM Modi emphasized India's neutral stance in the conflict while offering proactive contributions towards efforts for peace.
Upon his arrival in Kyiv, PM Modi was warmly welcomed by the Indian diaspora with chants of "Bharat Mata ki Jai," a reflection of the strong ties between India and its citizens abroad. He began his visit by paying floral tributes at a statue of Mahatma Gandhi, underlining India's long-standing message of peace and non-violence. Speaking at the event, PM Modi made a strong appeal for peace, stating, "India's stance is very clear—this is not an era of war. This is a time to come together to tackle the challenges that pose a threat to humanity."
The one-on-one talks between PM Modi and President Zelenskyy were a significant moment in the visit. PM Modi reiterated India's position of neutrality in the Ukraine war while emphasizing that India sides with peace. He highlighted New Delhi's willingness to contribute proactively to efforts aimed at ending the conflict. Since the onset of the war in 2022, PM Modi has consistently called for dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable means to achieve peace in Ukraine.
On the other hand, President Zelenskyy expressed his desire for India to take a definitive stand against Russia, urging New Delhi not to engage in a "balancing act." Zelenskyy underscored the gravity of the conflict, describing it as a "real war of one man—Putin—against the whole country—Ukraine." He urged India to use its influence to help stop Russian aggression, asserting that India has the power to "halt Putin's economy and put him really in his place."
The visit also saw the signing of four key agreements between India and Ukraine, focusing on cooperation in agriculture, medicine, culture, and humanitarian assistance. These agreements symbolize the deepening ties between the two nations amidst the ongoing conflict.
In a gesture of goodwill, PM Modi presented four BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri) Cubes to the Ukrainian government. These cubes, which contain essential medicines and equipment for first-line care, are part of India's humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who accompanied PM Modi, noted that the topic of India's energy trade with Russia was discussed during the meeting with President Zelenskyy. This discussion comes in the context of India's continued trade with Russia, which has been a point of contention with the West. Despite Western sanctions on Moscow, India has maintained its energy trade with Russia, importing crude oil at discounted rates, a move that has been economically beneficial for New Delhi.
PM Modi's visit to Ukraine follows a high-profile trip to Moscow nearly six weeks earlier, during which he held extensive talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The timing of that visit, coinciding with a Russian strike on a children's hospital in Kyiv, drew criticism from the West and Ukraine alike. Critics urged the Indian Prime Minister to condemn Moscow's aggression more forcefully.
Earlier this year, PM Modi met with President Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Italy, where he reiterated India's commitment to supporting a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. India's approach to the conflict has been to maintain friendly ties with both Ukraine and Russia, balancing its diplomatic relationships while continuing trade with Russia and providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
PM Modi's visit to Kyiv underscores India's delicate diplomatic balancing act as it navigates its relationships with both Ukraine and Russia amidst one of the most significant conflicts in recent history.
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