We Are Not Neutral, We Stand with Peace : Declares Prime Minister Modi

Prime Minister Modi Meets Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Ukraine

Prime Minister Modi (left) and Ukrainian President Zelensky

Kyiv (Ukraine) – The menace of war is heart-wrenching, especially for children. India has never remained neutral or impartial towards any war. We have always stood for peace. We conveyed this message even when we met the Russian President Vladimir Putin. War does not resolve issues; they are solved through dialogue and diplomacy. Both parties need to start a dialogue with each other. Russia and Ukraine should engage in discussions without delay. India will play an active role in peace efforts, assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. The two leaders held a bilateral meeting for about 3 hours at the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv, during which the Ukraine crisis was the main topic of discussion. Notably, Russia and Ukraine had halted the war for the 7-hour duration of Prime Minister Modi’s visit.

We also had discussions about the ongoing conflict. It is of topmost importance that peace be maintained. A peaceful solution to the conflict is best for humanity. pic.twitter.com/7nv7SjkvbQ

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 23, 2024

Modi further stated that today is a historic day for both India and Ukraine. Four agreements have been signed between India and Ukraine. Both countries have agreed to enhance cooperation in humanitarian assistance, agriculture, medical, and cultural fields.

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi arrived in Kyiv after a 10-hour train journey from Warsaw, the capital of Poland. He was welcomed by people of Indian origin. Following this, he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and the two leaders warmly embraced each other.

Greeting a Guest with a Hug is a Part of Indian Culture –

During a press conference, India’s Foreign Minister Dr S Jaishankar was asked by journalists whether President Zelenskyy had criticised Prime Minister Modi for hugging Russian President Putin. To this, Dr Jaishankar responded that while hugging someone may not be a part of your culture, it is an integral part of our culture.

Dr Jaishankar also mentioned that discussions were held between President Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Modi regarding India’s purchase of oil from Russia. India presented its stand and explained the market situation to President Zelenskyy. Both leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining the territorial integrity and sovereignty of every country under United Nations resolutions.

Prime Minister Modi’s Visit Will Aid in Ending the Russia-Ukraine War – United Nations

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed hope that Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Ukraine would help bring an end to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

Modi Becomes the First Indian Prime Minister to Visit Ukraine

Prime Minister Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Ukraine. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, no leader from any non-NATO country has visited Ukraine. NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is a military alliance comprising 29 countries.