Narendra Modi in Ukraine Highlights: PM Modi invites Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to visit India

“The four agreements between India and Ukraine are very symbolic...The most important, in my opinion, is reconstruction. Reconstruction of Ukraine is the need of the hour...It is going to cost billions and billions of dollars. Today the Western world is pumping in trillions of dollars. But when it comes to reconstruction, they will not come forward with the same generosity. At that time, India will be of greater assistance, not in terms of money that is being given, but the ground force on the force on the ground...Today, they (West) are giving because it is not for the development of the nation but for the fighting machine. But when the fighting stops or some kind of negotiation starts, they will withdraw their amount considerably because as it is, they need it for their own development...The timing of the visit is perfect...Body language is very positive, reassuring the President of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people that they will not be alone...”

PM Modi Visits Ukraine: Narendra Modi interacts with Ukrainian students who’re learning Hindi language

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "People from other countries also know that India has actively planned peace efforts and you also know that our approach has been people-centric. I want to assure you and the entire world that this is India's commitment and we believe that respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is of utmost importance to us and we support it.

“Some time back, when I met President Putin in support of this, I had told him that this was not the time for war. Recently, when I went to Russia for a meeting, I said there too in clear words that the solution to any problem is never found on the battlefield. The solution comes only through talks, dialogue, and diplomacy and we should move ahead in that direction without wasting time. Both sides should sit together and find ways to come out of this crisis...

“Today I would like to discuss with you specifically the path to peace and progress. I want to assure you that India is ready to play an active role in every effort for peace. If I can personally contribute to this, I would like to do so. As a friend, I can assure you..."

“In our part of the world when people meet people, they are given to embracing each other. It may not be a part of your culture, but it is a part of our culture...”

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a visit to Ukraine on 23 August 2024, at the invitation of the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Prime Minister Modi and President Zelenskyy reiterated their readiness for further cooperation in upholding principles of international law, including the UN Charter, such as respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of states. They agreed on the desirability of closer bilateral dialogue in this regard,” the statement read.

“President Zelenskyy and I had very productive discussions in Kyiv today. India is eager to deepen economic linkages with Ukraine. We discussed ways to boost cooperation in agriculture, technology, pharma and other such sectors. We also agreed to further cement cultural linkages.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “When there were initial days of war you helped in the evacuation of Indian nationals and students. I express my gratitude to you for your help during this time of crisis...The world knows very well that during the war we played two roles...The first role was the humanitarian approach...I assure you that whatever the need may be from a humanitarian point of view, India will always stand with you and will be two steps ahead..."

Territorial integrity is very significant, says Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

He adds, “India was never neutral; We have always been on the side of peace...”

The Government of India handed over BHISHM cube of medical assistance to Ukraine on August 23. Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed over the assistance to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in Kyiv.

EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, "...We would urge Indian students caution in Ukraine. We hope that this conflict will come to an end and life will return to normal..."

-- Much of the discussions between PM Modi and President Zelenskyy were with regard to the war in Ukraine

-- PM Modi called for practical engagement between all stakeholders to develop innovative solutions that will contribute towards peace

-- Modi and Zelenskyy tasked inter-governmental commission to specifically focus on rebuilding trade and economic relations

-- Significant part of discussions between the two leaders were also devoted to our bilateral relations

-- There were discussions on trade, economic issues, defence, pharmaceuticals, agricurture, and education

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said no solution will come from the battlefield,” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on India's stand on the Moscow-Kyiv conflict.

He added, “PM Modi has reiterated that India will facilitate the return to peace.”

PM Modi Visits Ukraine: Narendra Modi welcomed at Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv

Four agreements have been signed between India and Ukraine to provide cooperation in agriculture, medicine, culture and humanitarian assistance, officials informed.

“He received a warm welcome in Poland and Ukraine also...PM Modi's message of peace and using diplomacy will resonate properly, not only in this visit but in others also...”

PM Narendra Modi tweets, “President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and I paid homage at the Martyrologist Exposition in Kyiv. Conflict is particularly devastating for young children. My heart goes out to the families of children who lost their lives, and I pray that they find the strength to endure their grief.”

"Paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Kyiv. The ideals of Bapu are universal and give hope to millions. May we all follow the path he showed to humanity," PM Modi posted on X.

PM  Modi’s stop in Ukraine is expected to last about seven hours and involve a 10-hour train journey in tight security conditions. However, the Indian side gave virtually no details of Modi’s programme in Ukraine, citing security protocols associated with travelling to an active war zone.

PM Modi's visit is expected to focus on boosting economic ties and cooperation in defence, science and technology.

PM Modi last met  Zelenskyy in June on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Italy's Apulia. In the meeting, he conveyed to the Ukrainian President that India would continue to do everything within its means to support a peaceful solution to the Ukraine conflict and that the way to peace is through "dialogue and diplomacy".

"Ancient India should save the world", people gather in front of Mariyinsky Palace, Zelenskyy's residence ahead of PM Modi's mee

PM Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy honour the memory of children at the Martyrologist Exposition in Kyiv.

PM Modi and Zelenskyy will arrive at Mariinskyi Palace for official photo op.

PM Modi will hold both one-on-one and delegation-level talks with Zelensky with a focus on ways to find a negotiated settlement to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi in Kyiv's AV Fomin Botanical Garden.

In December 2022, President Zelenskyy reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking India's assistance with a proposed “peace formula.”

Poland Prime Minister Donald Tusk said India could play an essential and constructive role in resolving the Russia-Ukraine war.

PM Modi will be welcomed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Mariinskyi palace. This will be followed by a restricted meeting between the two leaders to discuss key issues. High-level delegation meetings will follow, where important discussions on bilateral cooperation are expected. Document exchanges will take place to formalise agreements and collaborations between the two nations.

Prior to this, PM Modi discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties upon meeting Polish PM Donald Tusk. He travelled by train from Poland, to reach Ukraine. It is a high-security meet, and PM Modi is accompanied by the National Security Advisor of India, Ajit Doval, and the Minister of External Affairs of India, S Jaishankar.

PM Modi will pay homage to the Gandhi statue, symbolising the enduring legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and his principles of peace and non-violence. The bronze statue of the Mahatma at AV Fomin Botanical Garden was unveiled in 2020 on the occasion of the 151st birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

During his trip, PM Modi is expected to discuss strategies for a peaceful resolution with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. PM Modi's visit is at the invitation of Zelenskyy.

PM Modi's visit will include a notable stop at the multimedia Martyrologist at the Ukraine National Museum. Here, the Prime Minister will honour the memory of the children of Ukraine, whose lives were taken by the full-scale Russian invasion.

"There are lots of hope and expectation from Modiji. We are happy that he is coming here. We expect that there would be some kind of truce, some kind of peace formula would be worked out. We hope he is coming with some message so that this war ends," says an Indian national living in Kyiv," an Indian national told PTI.

This is first-ever visit to Ukraine by an Indian prime minister since Ukraine became independent in 1991.

"On PM @narendramodiji's visit to Ukraine, I wish to recall how, under his leadership India successfully brought back thousands of our students from the war-stricken areas through Operation Ganga. Following the PM's instructions, I personally visited Slovakia to coordinate the evacuation. Amazingly, the detailed planning, systematic coordination with Foreign leaders, and timely preparations for all evacuation arrangements that PM Modi had put in place well before my arrival played the crucial role in the Mission's success. #OperationGanga," said Union Minister Kiren Rijiju.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached Kyiv from Poland, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make a historic visit to Ukraine on Thursday, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in over three decades. Traveling aboard the symbolic "Rail Force One," Modi aims to strengthen bilateral ties and advocate for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasizing dialogue over warfare. Read more.

When the full-scale war erupted in February 2022, it was a shocking development for the Indian community in Ukraine. While the evacuation of Indian medical students captured attention back home, long-term Indian residents faced difficult choices. With deep-rooted businesses and connections in Ukraine, many found it impossible to simply pack up and leave, now hoping that Prime Minister Modi's visit could pave the way for peace.

Before departing for Kyiv, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside Polish counterpart Donald Tusk, voiced deep concern over the ongoing war in Ukraine and its "terrible and tragic" humanitarian consequences. "The loss of innocent lives is the biggest challenge to humanity," Modi stated. In their joint statement, both leaders called for a "comprehensive, just, and lasting peace" that aligns with international law and the UN Charter, emphasizing the need to respect sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Narendra Modi's visit to Ukraine is expected to last around seven hours, involving a 10-hour train journey under tight security. Due to the sensitive nature of traveling to an active war zone, the Indian side has provided minimal details regarding the Prime Minister's itinerary in Ukraine.

Indian nationals living in Kyiv expressed hopes and expectations from Prime Minister Modi, saying their pleasure at his visit and their anticipation for a possible truce or peace formula. They expressed hope that Modi would bring a message to help end the conflict.

PM Modi's Ukraine visit comes nearly six weeks after he visited Russia to discuss the conflict-ridden situation amid Russia Ukraine. This shall also be an Indian PM's first visit to Ukraine.

In a joint statement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized the need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace, adhering to international law and the principles of the UN Charter. Their call includes upholding sovereignty and territorial integrity as fundamental aspects of the peace process.

-  Expected discussions on strengthening joint defence initiatives.

-  Talks on enhancing trade and investment ties.

-  Plans to boost cooperation in research and innovation.

- Multiple bilateral and multilateral agreements on the agenda.

- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy criticized Modi’s July visit to Moscow and meeting with Putin, citing concerns over India’s ties with Russia amid the war.

-  No immediate resolution is anticipated; Ukraine demands Russian withdrawal, while Russia insists on retaining the annexed territories.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Kyiv follows his recent trip to Moscow, which coincided with a devastating Russian missile strike on a Ukrainian children's hospital. The attack led Modi to deliver a pointed, emotive rebuke to President Putin during their summit. Modi is set to visit Kyiv for crucial talks with President Zelenskyy after wrapping up his trip to Poland.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make history as the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Ukraine since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. This landmark visit underscores India's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and addressing the ongoing conflict in the region.

The Ministry of External Affairs has outlined that Prime Minister Modi's visit to Kyiv will cover a broad spectrum of bilateral relations, including political, trade, economic, investment, education, cultural, people-to-people exchanges, and humanitarian assistance. Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) in the MEA, underscored that lasting peace can only be achieved through mutually acceptable solutions and a negotiated settlement, highlighting that the conflict is not a zero-sum game.

Prime Minister Modi's visit to Ukraine comes at a time of Western criticism over India's continued close relationship with Russia, despite international sanctions against Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine. Ahead of his two-nation tour, Modi expressed India's hope for a swift return to peace and stability in Ukraine. He anticipates enhancing bilateral cooperation with President Zelenskyy and discussing a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his first-ever visit to Ukraine on Thursday, aiming to discuss peaceful solutions to the ongoing conflict with Russia with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This visit follows Modi's two-day trip to Poland and marks the first time an Indian Prime Minister has visited Ukraine since diplomatic ties were established between the two countries.

Good morning! Welcome to Moneycontrol's live coverage of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic visit to Ukraine today. Stay tuned for real-time updates.