Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Friday. During their discussion, PM Modi emphasised that India has never taken a neutral stance in the conflict, but has consistently supported peace.
“India has never been neutral in this war; we stand for peace,” PM Modi said, underscoring India’s ongoing efforts to promote dialogue and diplomacy as a means to resolve the conflict.
He reaffirmed India’s stance that war and violence are not the answers and emphasised the need for constructive dialogue to achieve regional stability.
Earlier today, a sombre PM Modi met with President Zelenskyy in Kyiv, where the two leaders shook hands before Modi embraced the Ukrainian President in a hug. As they toured the Martyrologist Exposition in the war-torn country, Modi kept his hand on Zelenskyy’s shoulder—a gesture symbolizing India’s solidarity with Ukraine.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended an invitation to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to visit India, as announced by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during a press briefing in Kyiv. “Prime Minister Modi has invited President Zelenskyy to visit India. We anticipate that President Zelenskyy will come when it is convenient for him,” Jaishankar said.
The External Affairs Minister described Modi’s visit to Ukraine as a “landmark” event, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister since Ukraine’s independence in 1991.
During the meeting between PM Modi and President Zelenskyy, key discussions took place focusing on defence, trade, and agriculture. A joint statement is expected to be released following the talks. Jaishankar noted that much of the conversation centred on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. “Most of the time spent by the PM and Zelenskyy was on the conflict,” he said, adding that Modi sought Zelenskyy’s assessment of the situation on the ground.
The discussions covered the current military situation, potential paths to peace, and possible resolutions to the conflict. Jaishankar emphasized the detailed and constructive nature of the talks and mentioned that Ukraine expressed interest in continued Indian involvement in future peace summits.
As a gesture of solidarity, India also provided Ukraine with medical support equipment weighing a total of 22 tonnes. “Today, we handed over cubes containing medical support equipment to Ukraine,” Jaishankar highlighted, underscoring India’s ongoing humanitarian assistance to the country.
The discussions also addressed India’s energy trade with Russia, a subject of considerable geopolitical importance. The Indian delegation used the opportunity to clarify its stance, which has drawn international attention due to the ongoing conflict and India’s efforts to balance its relationships with both Ukraine and Russia.
Additionally, Jaishankar characterized the talks as “very detailed, open, and constructive,” reflecting a positive exchange between the two leaders.
