PM Narendra Modi is in Ukraine for his much-anticipated trip after wrapping up his two-day visit to Poland this morning. He met the Ukrainian PM Volodymyr Zelenskyy, upon whose invite he is visiting the conflict-hit nation-state.
PM Modi's Ukraine visit comes nearly six weeks after he visited Russia to discuss the conflict-ridden situation amid Russia Ukraine. This is also the first visit by an Indian PM to Ukraine.
The Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal posted on the social media platform X (formerly, Twitter) that PM Modi's visit to Poland after four decades will widen and deepen India-Poland relations.
The UN secretary-general's office said that they hope that the Indian PM's visit to Ukraine might bring up the possibility of putting an end to the war.
Although India has yet to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine, PM Modi's statement said, "As a friend and partner, we hope for an early return of peace and stability in the region."
"I look forward to the opportunity to build upon earlier conversations with President Zelenskyy on strengthening bilateral cooperation and share perspectives on peaceful resolution of the ongoing Ukraine conflict. I am confident that the visit will serve as a natural continuation of extensive contacts with the two countries and help create the foundation for stronger and more vibrant relations in the years ahead," it further added.
The Ukrainian PM congratulated PM Modi on his election victory earlier this year.
Here are the highlights of PM Modi's visit to Ukraine:
White House Says PM Modi's Visit To Ukraine Potentially "Helpful"
The United States said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to conflict-hit Ukraine is "potentially helpful", news agency AFP reported quoting the White House.
PM Modi Holds Talks With Ukraine President In Kyiv. Full Joint Statement
Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a visit to Ukraine today, at the invitation of the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky. This was the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine since diplomatic relations were established between the two countries in 1992.
#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hold a delegation-level meeting at Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv and witness the exchange of MoUs between the two countries.
— ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2024
(Video: ANI/DD News) pic.twitter.com/3iLePpoKbz
India's View Is That Two Sides Need To Engage: S Jaishankar On Russia-Ukraine Conflict
#WATCH | Kyiv: On PM Modi's message on the Russia-Ukraine war, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, "It is India's view that the two sides need to engage with each other to find a solution..." pic.twitter.com/lNJoqNAvfI
— ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2024
"Significant Part Of Discussion Was Devoted To Bilateral Relations": S Jaishankar
"A significant part of the discussion was devoted to our bilateral relations. There was a discussion about trade, economic issues, defence, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, education. There were a whole lot of issues," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in a press briefing.
#WATCH | Kyiv: EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, "...In the discussion, a significant part of it was devoted to our bilateral relations. There was a discussion about trade, economic issues, defence, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, education. There were a whole lot of issues...The leaders… pic.twitter.com/CgBERA3kkX
— ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2024
The leaders also tasked the Intergovernmental Commission, of which Minister Kuleba and I are the co-chairs, to specifically focus on rebuilding our trade and economic relations, which had gone down in recent times. And we certainly look forward to having an early meeting of that body, definitely by the end of this year," S Jaishankar added.
Conflict Particularly Devastating For Children: PM Modi In Ukraine
PM Modi In Ukraine: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage at the Martyrologist exposition on children in Kyiv along with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky and said "Conflict is particularly devastating for young children".
Zelensky, PM Modi Hold Talks At Palace Where RRR's Iconic Song Was Shot
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Ukraine today in what has been the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the war-hit country since its independence in 1991. PM Modi's meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky will take place at the iconic Mariinskyi Palace, in Kyiv later in the day.
In PM Modi's Historic Ukraine Visit, A Hug And Handshake With Zelensky
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met President Volodymyr Zelensky on the first-ever visit to Ukraine by an Indian prime minister. PM Modi and Mr Zelensky hugged and shook hands as they met at the Martyrologist Exposition in Kyiv.
The two leaders are scheduled to hold both one-on-one and delegation-level talks with a focus on ways to find a negotiated settlement to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
In PM Modi's Historic Ukraine Visit, A Hug And Handshake With Zelensky
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met President Volodymyr Zelensky in the first-ever visit to Ukraine by an Indian prime minister.
PM Modi and Mr Zelensky hugged and shook hands as they met at the Martyrologist Exposition in Kyiv.
PM Modi To Stop At The Ukraine National Museum
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will stop at the Ukraine National Museum to honour the memory of the children of Ukraine whose lives were lost due to the Russian invasion.
He will then head to the Mariinskyi palace, where he will be welcomed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a high-level delegation meeting on bilateral cooperation.
PM Modi's Ukraine Visit Hailed By European Union Envoy
European Union's Ambassador to India, Herve Delphin said that today, August 23rd, marks a landmark date as PM Modi's visit to Ukraine has coincided with the official National Flag Day of Ukraine.
The European Union said it will continue to support the Ukrainian country in defending itself against Russian aggression.
Prime Minister Modi today arrived in war-hit Ukraine after a 10-hour journey from Poland aboard the trail Rail Force One.
Upon his arrival, he was received at the Kyiv Central Station, from where he was headed to the Hyatt hotel.
PM Modi Shares Pictures From Ukraine visit On X
PM Narendra Modi took to social media platform X (formerly, Twitter) to confirm his arrival in Ukraine. "Reached Kyiv earlier this morning. The Indian community accorded a very warm welcome," he wrote.
Reached Kyiv earlier this morning. The Indian community accorded a very warm welcome. pic.twitter.com/oYEV71BTlv
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 23, 2024
He also shared photographs of him greeting the Indian diaspora in Ukraine. The post was retweeted by Minister of External Affairs of India, S Jaishankar.
PM Modi's Ukraine Visit Comes Nearly 6 Weeks After His Russia Trip
PM Modi is in Ukraine at President Zelensky's invitation. The latter had congratulated Modi on his election victory earlier this year. The two had also met in Italy on the sidelines of the G7 summit in June.However, Zelenskyy had previously dubbed Modi's visit to Russia as a "huge disappointment."
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Zelensky wrote, "It is a devastating blow to peace efforts to see the leader of the world's largest democracy hug the world's most bloody criminal in Moscow on such a day."
PM Modi Is Accompanied By Ajit Doval And S Jaishankar
Prior to this, PM Modi discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties upon meeting Polish PM Donald Tusk. He travelled by train from Poland, to reach Ukraine. It is a high-security meet, and PM Modi is accompanied by the National Security Advisor of India, Ajit Doval, and the Minister of External Affairs of India, S Jaishankar.
PM Modi Arrives In Kyiv
PM Modi has arrived in Kyiv for his scheduled meeting with the Ukrainian President. He has reached the hotel in Kyiv. Upon his arrival, he greeted the Indian diaspora in Ukraine who were there to welcome him.
