Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kyiv for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, marking the first visit by an Indian leader since Ukrainian independence. Modi's visit comes amidst Russia's ongoing assault on Ukraine, with India refraining from condemning Russia's invasion to maintain relations with Moscow.
India has emphasized the need for a ceasefire and peace in Ukraine while also increasing its purchases of Russian crude oil, becoming the world's largest importer of Russian oil last month. Modi's visit to Kyiv follows his trip to Poland, where he elevated India's ties with the NATO member and reiterated India's support for dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts.
During his visit, Modi is expected to discuss various aspects of bilateral relations with Zelensky, including trade, infrastructure, and defense. The Ukrainian presidential office stated that the leaders would also address issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation, with the signing of documents anticipated.
Both countries have expressed interest in restoring trade that has declined during the conflict, with officials highlighting the importance of discussions against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Modi and Zelensky have previously met on the sidelines of G7 summits, with efforts to garner support for Ukraine's peace formula.
Modi's meeting with Zelensky in Kyiv is significant as Ukraine seeks to engage countries like India and China to push for peace on its terms. The visit comes at a critical juncture in the conflict, with Ukrainian forces launching an offensive into Russian territory and seeking global backing for their peace initiatives.
While Modi's previous meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin drew criticism from Kyiv, the Indian leader has emphasized the importance of dialogue and peace in resolving conflicts. The discussions between Modi and Zelensky are expected to cover a wide range of issues, with a focus on enhancing bilateral relations and exploring avenues for cooperation amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
