Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Ukraine has sparked hopes in the country for India to play a role in peace mediation. During a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Modi offered to play a “friendly role” in bringing peace to Ukraine. The leaders discussed Ukraine’s peace plan, which focuses on territorial integrity and the withdrawal of Russian troops.
Modi emphasized India’s support for sovereignty and territorial integrity, stating that problems should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy rather than on the battlefield. The visit, which took place just before Ukraine’s Independence Day, was described as “friendly” and “symbolic” by Zelenskyy.
The visit was focused on enhancing economic ties and cooperation in defense, science, and technology. Modi and Zelenskyy paid tribute to Ukrainian children killed in the war, highlighting the devastating impact of the conflict on young children. Modi also met with members of the Indian diaspora in Kyiv and visited the Mahatma Gandhi Monument in the city.
The chief of Ukraine’s Presidential Office called Modi’s visit “historic” and expressed hope that India could contribute to ending the war with a “just peace” based on Ukraine’s peace plan. Modi’s visit comes after criticism from Zelenskyy for his July visit to Moscow, where Modi met with Putin on the same day Russian missiles struck Ukraine.
This visit marks the first time an Indian prime minister has visited Ukraine since the two countries established diplomatic relations over 30 years ago. The visit signals a potential shift in India’s stance towards the conflict and offers hope for increased international involvement in bringing peace to Ukraine.
Source
Photo credit www.euronews.com