Kyiv: In a historic first, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kyiv today, marking the first visit by an Indian head of state since Ukraine gained independence in 1991.
The visit comes on the eve of Ukraine’s Independence Day and has been hailed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a momentous occasion in the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two nations.
During their meeting, President Zelensky and Prime Minister Modi signed four significant agreements spanning various fields, including medical collaboration, agricultural cooperation, humanitarian efforts, and cultural exchange. This marks a substantial step in enhancing the strategic partnership between Ukraine and India.
Zelensky expressed his enthusiasm about the agreements, stating, “Today, history was made. The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, made his first visit to Ukraine since our country’s independence. We have reached agreements on four documents covering crucial areas including medical, agricultural, humanitarian, and cultural cooperation.”
The discussions also led to a joint statement focusing on the development of a strategic partnership, boosting bilateral trade, and continuing military-technical cooperation between the two countries.
Zelensky underscored the importance of India’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, stressing that “everyone in the world must equally respect the UN Charter.”
According to a joint statement from Modi’s office, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international law and emphasized the need for closer bilateral dialogue on these issues. “They agreed on the desirability of closer bilateral dialogue in this regard,” the statement read.
Zelensky also highlighted India’s ongoing support throughout the conflict with Russia, noting, “We deeply appreciate that the Prime Minister started his visit by honoring the memory of Ukrainian children whose lives were taken by Russian aggression. I am grateful for the humanitarian aid packages India has provided throughout this war.”
The visit also included discussions on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with both leaders emphasizing the need for a just and lasting peace. Zelensky praised India’s active involvement in Ukraine’s Peace Formula, citing India’s representation at the Peace Summit and participation in relevant groups as a source of optimism.
Prime Minister Modi, arriving on a special train, reiterated India’s stance on the conflict, affirming, “India was never neutral in its stance and from the very first day we were on the side of peace.”
The visit marks a new chapter in Ukraine-India relations, with both nations committed to deepening their cooperation across a range of sectors.
