A hug, a pat on the back of Zelensky as PM Modi arrives in Ukraine

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made history today by becoming the first Indian prime minister to visit Ukraine. He met with President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Martyrologist Exposition in Kyiv, where the two leaders exchanged a warm handshake and a hug, signifying the importance of this visit. The meeting, which marks a significant moment in India's diplomatic history, focused on finding a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Arriving in Kyiv from Poland after a ten-hour journey aboard the 'Rail Force One,' PM Modi's visit to Ukraine is the final leg of his two-nation trip. This visit comes nearly six weeks after his discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where the conflict in Ukraine was a major point of conversation. Modi's involvement in the region underscores India's growing role as a mediator on the global stage.

During their talks, Modi and Zelensky are expected to explore pathways for negotiation and peaceful settlement of the conflict, emphasizing India's commitment to diplomacy. The two leaders last met in June during the G7 summit in Italy's Apulia, where Modi expressed India's support for a peaceful resolution, emphasizing dialogue and a human-centric approach.

Zelensky, in that earlier meeting, extended an invitation to Modi to visit Kyiv—a gesture that has now materialized into this historic visit. As the world watches, India’s stance and efforts towards fostering peace in Ukraine continue to evolve, reflecting its commitment to global stability.