Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kyiv on Friday for a historic visit, marking the first time an Indian leader has traveled to Ukraine. Modi met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Mariinsky Palace, with the Ukrainian leader visibly emotional during their embrace.
Modi’s visit is part of his effort to advocate for a peaceful resolution to the more than two-year-long war between Ukraine and Russia. In remarks made in Poland before arriving in Kyiv, Modi emphasized that “no problem can be resolved on a battlefield” and reiterated India’s support for “dialogue and diplomacy” to restore peace and stability.
The timing of Modi’s visit is particularly poignant, as the war’s resolution seems increasingly distant. Ukrainian forces are advancing into Russia’s Kursk region, while Russian troops continue to make gains in eastern Ukraine, capturing several towns and villages.
Modi’s diplomatic mission faces challenges, given India’s historically warm ties with Russia. During a visit to Moscow in July, Modi met with President Vladimir Putin, an encounter that drew criticism due to a Russian strike on a Kyiv children’s hospital that occurred shortly before.
In Kyiv, Modi and Zelensky paid tribute to the victims of the conflict, including children affected by the aggression. Modi has previously expressed his concern over the human cost of the war and has called for a peaceful resolution, although India has avoided direct condemnation of Russia’s invasion.
As Modi’s visit coincides with intensified military actions and a continued push for negotiations, it remains uncertain whether his efforts can significantly advance peace talks. Meanwhile, the conflict continues to inflict a heavy toll on civilians, with over 10,000 deaths verified by the United Nations.
