Prime Minister Narendra Modi made history on Friday as the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Ukraine since its independence in 1991. His visit, set against the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, underscores India’s growing global role.
Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed agreements on agriculture, food industry, medical product regulation, and cultural exchange. Arriving in Kyiv by special train from Poland amidst war sirens, Modi was welcomed by Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister.
Modi emphasized India’s commitment to peace and balanced diplomacy, honoring children lost in the conflict by placing a doll at a memorial, alongside Zelenskyy’s teddy bear.
The visit included the delivery of BHISHM cubes, part of India’s Bharat Health Initiative, providing trauma care with 22 tonnes of medical equipment and generator sets.
Discussions also covered India’s energy purchases from Russia. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar explained the need for stable energy pricing amid global market constraints.
Global media, including Reuters and BBC, noted Modi’s balanced approach and tribute to Ukrainian children. Analysts view this visit as a potential shift in India’s foreign policy, strengthening ties with Ukraine and Europe. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba hailed the visit as a key diplomatic success, highlighting the value of dialogue with neutral nations during the conflict.
