Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered to mediate peace efforts in Ukraine during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The meeting, which took place on Friday during a brief visit coinciding with the eve of Ukraine’s Independence Day, focused on Ukraine’s peace formula, which underscores the importance of territorial integrity and the withdrawal of Russian troops.
During the meeting, Modi, speaking through a translator, reaffirmed India’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, stating, “It’s our highest priority.” He also referenced his recent conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which he emphasized that “problems cannot be resolved on the battlefield” and advocated for dialogue and diplomacy as the path to resolution.
The meeting began with both leaders visiting a memorial dedicated to Ukrainian children who have died in the ongoing conflict. Modi and Zelenskyy laid teddy bears at the site and observed a moment of silence. Modi later expressed his condolences on social media, stating, “My heart goes out to the families of children who lost their lives.”
Beyond discussions of peace, the visit also touched on economic ties and cooperation in areas such as defense, science, and technology. Ukrainian officials and analysts have interpreted Modi’s visit as a potential signal of India moving towards a more neutral stance in the conflict, given India’s previously perceived inclination towards Russia.
This visit marks the first time an Indian prime minister has visited Ukraine since diplomatic relations between the two countries were established over 30 years ago. Modi’s engagement follows earlier tensions, notably Zelenskyy’s criticism of Modi’s visit to Moscow in July, during which the Indian leader met with Putin on the same day Russian missiles struck Ukraine.
Andriy Yermak, chief of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, described the visit as “historic” and expressed hope that India could play a role in achieving a “just peace” in line with Ukraine’s peace formula.