PM Modi and President Zelenskyy commemorate war victims at Kyiv memorial for children

PTC News Desk: During his historic visit to Ukraine on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv. The leaders greeted each other with a handshake and a warm hug before touring the Martyrologist Exposition, a memorial for war victims. PM Modi's hand rested reassuringly on Zelenskyy's shoulder, symbolising India's support and solidarity with Ukraine.

PM Modi, the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Ukraine since it gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, arrived in Kyiv around 7:30 am local time. After checking into his hotel at 7:55 am, he was warmly greeted by the Indian diaspora with chants of "Bharat Mata ki Jai."

Reached Kyiv earlier this morning. The Indian community accorded a very warm welcome. pic.twitter.com/oYEV71BTlv — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 23, 2024

Following his arrival, PM Modi paid floral tributes at the Gandhi statue in Kyiv. His visit follows a two-day trip to Poland, and it comes amid Western criticism of India's continued close ties with Russia, despite international condemnation of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi in Ukraine's Kyiv pic.twitter.com/NbXTxGKKNx — ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2024

Here's all you need to know about PM Modi's Ukraine visit:

• At the Gandhi statue in Kyiv, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to global unity and cooperation in addressing humanitarian challenges. Speaking at the statue in the Ukrainian capital, Modi emphasized, "India's stance is clear — this is not an era of war. We must come together to confront the threats facing humanity."
  
  
• The Ministry of External Affairs noted that PM Modi's visit to Kyiv will cover various aspects of bilateral relations, including political, trade, economic, investment, education, cultural, and humanitarian issues.
  
  
• "Lasting peace requires mutually acceptable solutions and cannot be achieved through a zero-sum game," said Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) in the MEA. "A negotiated settlement is the only path to enduring peace."
  
  
• Modi's visit follows his high-profile trip to Moscow six weeks ago, where he engaged in extensive discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the ongoing conflict. The West had criticised Modi's Moscow visit, urging him to condemn Russia's actions in Ukraine. Additionally, there was discontent in Ukraine over Modi's meeting with Putin on the same day a Russian strike hit a children's hospital in Kyiv, resulting in numerous casualties.
  
  
• In June, Modi met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the G7 summit in Italy, where he reiterated India's commitment to a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.
  
  
• Former Indian ambassador to Russia, Skand Ranjan Tayal, suggested that Modi's visit aims to reassure Zelenskyy that India values its relationship with Ukraine. "Modi is expected to convey India's readiness to foster friendship and cooperation with Ukraine," Tayal said.
  
  
• Despite its historically friendly ties with Russia, India has maintained a neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict. India has continued trade with Russia despite Western sanctions, benefiting from discounted crude oil, while also providing essential medicines and support to Ukraine.
  
  
• During his seven-hour visit to Kyiv, PM Modi is scheduled to have both one-on-one and delegation-level discussions with President Zelenskyy.

Also Read: PM Modi to visit wartime Kyiv for high-stakes talks amid ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict

- With inputs from agencies

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