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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister Narendra Modi shake hands during the G7 Leaders' Summit in Hiroshima, Japan, May 20, 2023.
PM Modi's historic visit to Kyiv aims to discuss peace efforts in Ukraine conflict and improve diplomatic ties with President Zelensky
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit wartime Kiev on Friday to hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky, the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Ukraine since Ukraine gained independence in 1991.
On Thursday, the Prime Minister concluded a “productive” two-day trip to Poland, where he held extensive talks with the Polish leader, followed by a historic visit to Ukraine. Modi, who is visiting Ukraine at the invitation of Zelensky, said he would share his views on a peaceful solution to the current conflict with the Ukrainian leader.
The visit comes at a turbulent time in Ukraine's war, with Ukrainian troops still in Russia's western Kursk region after invading the region on August 6 and Russian troops making a slow but steady advance in eastern Ukraine. The visit follows Modi's visit to Moscow in July and is important for Western-backed Kyiv, which has been trying to cultivate diplomatic ties with the southern hemisphere to ensure a fair solution to end the war.
“I look forward to the opportunity… to share my views on the peaceful resolution of the current conflict in Ukraine,” Modi said before his trip. “As friends and partners, we hope for an early restoration of peace and stability in the region.” Modi visited Moscow last month On the occasion, Russia launched a violent missile attack on Ukraine, attacking a children's hospital. The attack prompted Modi to use emotional language to issue a veiled rebuke to Putin at the summit.
India has not yet condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and has called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict. Before leaving Warsaw, Modi said his trip to Poland was “very special.” “It was decades before the Prime Minister of India set foot on Polish soil,” Modi posted on X at the end of his visit to Warsaw. Modi arrived in Poland on Wednesday, the first leg of his two-nation tour, during which he will also travel to the Ukrainian capital Kiev.
His visit to Poland is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 45 years. “This visit provides an opportunity to deepen cooperation with important friends. We look forward to establishing closer business and cultural ties with Poland. Our friendship will certainly contribute to a better planet. I thank the Polish people and government for their Enthusiasm,” the Prime Minister added.
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