Kyiv: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inaugural visit to Ukraine as a “landmark” event, underscoring India’s commitment to supporting peace efforts in the conflict-ridden region.
PM Modi met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv following an arduous nearly 10-hour train journey from Poland.
This visit to Kyiv occurs just six weeks after Modi’s significant trip to Moscow, viewed as a diplomatic balancing act in light of the unease it caused among Western nations.
“Prime Minister Modi and President Zelenskyy extensively discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine,” Jaishankar revealed during a media briefing. He added that a substantial part of their dialogue was also dedicated to enhancing bilateral ties between India and Ukraine.
Jaishankar emphasized that Modi advocated for pragmatic engagement among all stakeholders to devise innovative solutions aimed at restoring peace in the region.
“India has consistently voiced concerns over the potential escalation of the conflict,” Jaishankar noted. He further mentioned that during the talks with Zelenskyy, PM Modi echoed the widespread sentiment within the Global South regarding the far-reaching consequences of the war.
Discussions between Modi and Zelenskyy also addressed the military situation and explored possible avenues for achieving peace, according to Jaishankar.
PM Modi also briefed President Zelenskyy on his recent discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Moscow.
In addition to the war-related talks, Modi and Zelenskyy explored various areas of mutual interest, including trade, economic cooperation, defense, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and education. The two leaders directed an inter-governmental commission to work on rebuilding trade and economic ties.
The discussions culminated in the signing of four agreements between India and Ukraine, aimed at fostering cooperation in agriculture, the food industry, medicine, culture, and humanitarian assistance.
Modi’s historic visit to Kyiv, the first by an Indian prime minister since Ukraine gained independence in 1991, took place amid the ongoing conflict, highlighting India’s diplomatic engagement in a volatile region. His visit also coincided with Ukraine’s renewed military offensive in Russia’s western Kursk region.
