Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asserted that Ukraine and Russia must find ways to resolve the ongoing conflict between the two nations. He assured that India is ready to play an active role in every effort required to bring peace. During his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Mr. Modi said that India has actively planned peace efforts and that our approach has been people-centric. He said that India supports sovereignty and territorial integrity. Talking about his recent visit to Russia, the Prime Minister said he had clearly stated that the solution to any problem is never found on the battlefield, but the solution comes only through talks, dialogue, and diplomacy.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the Ukrainian President for helping evacuate Indian nationals and students during the initial phase of the war. He assured that India is ready to provide any humanitarian assistance.
A delegation-level meeting was held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, Ukraine, today. The two leaders discussed the entire gamut of bilateral ties and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. During the meeting, four MoUs were signed and exchanged in the presence of both leaders. The MoUs were signed to bolster bilateral ties in various fields, including community development projects in Ukraine, drug control standards, cultural exchange, and agriculture. Both leaders expressed mutual interest in working towards elevating bilateral relations from a comprehensive partnership to a strategic partnership in the future.
Prime Minister Modi and President Zelenskyy reiterated their readiness for further cooperation in upholding principles of international law, including the UN Charter, such as respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states. The leaders appreciated efforts to ensure global food security, including the Ukrainian humanitarian grain initiative. Underscoring the importance of defence cooperation between India and Ukraine, the leaders agreed to continue to work towards facilitating a stronger relationship between the defence entities in both countries. The Ukrainian side conveyed its gratitude to the Indian side for the humanitarian assistance provided to Ukraine. Both leaders condemned all forms of terrorism. Both sides called for comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council to reflect contemporary global realities. Ukraine reiterated its support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed and expanded UN Security Council.
Briefing the media on the Prime Minister’s visit to Ukraine, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said that discussions were devoted to bilateral relations, trade, economic issues, defence, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. He said that both leaders discussed the conflict in Ukraine. Dr. Jaishankar stated that it is India’s view that both sides need to engage with each other to find a solution. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated the need for sincere and practical engagement between all stakeholders to develop innovative solutions that have broad acceptability and contribute towards the early restoration of peace. He also mentioned that Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s willingness to contribute in all possible ways to the early return of peace.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Kyiv from Poland by special train. Members of the Indian diaspora accorded a warm welcome to the Prime Minister upon his arrival in Kyiv. Prime Minister Modi visited the multimedia martyrologist exposition on children at the National Museum of History of Ukraine in Kyiv, accompanied by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Both leaders honoured the memory of the children. Prime Minister Modi was deeply touched by the poignant exposition set up in memory of children who have lost their lives in the conflict. He expressed his sorrow at the tragic loss of young lives and, as a mark of respect, placed a toy in their memory. Mr. Modi also paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue in Kiev, underscoring the timeless relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s message of peace in building a harmonious society. He noted that Gandhi’s path offers solutions to present-day global challenges. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also interacted with Ukrainian students who are learning Hindi at the School of Oriental Studies in Kyiv. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine since diplomatic relations between the two countries began in 1992.
