Prime Minister Narendra Modi makes historic visit to Ukraine amid ongoing conflict.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kyiv on Friday morning, making him the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Ukraine since the country gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. This visit follows Modi’s two-day trip to Poland and comes at the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Modi landed in Kyiv around 7:30 AM local time and was welcomed by members of the Indian diaspora who chanted “Bharat Mata ki Jai” upon his arrival at the hotel. The Prime Minister met President Zelenskyy and discussed various aspects of bilateral relations.
This visit happens at a time when India faces increased scrutiny from the West due to its historic ties with Russia, especially amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. India’s neutral stance has faced criticism, particularly after PM Modi’s recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which coincided with a Russian strike on a children’s hospital in Kyiv.
Prior to his trip, PM Modi stated, “As a friend and partner, India hopes for an early return of peace and stability in the region,” referring to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The agenda for PM Modi’s visit includes discussions on a wide range of topics, such as political relations, trade, economic investments, education, cultural exchanges, and humanitarian assistance.
