Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday (August 23) signed four agreements to boost cooperation between India and Ukraine in agriculture, food industry, medicine, culture and humanitarian assistance.
Earlier, PM Modi began the historic visit to the Ukrainian capital Kyiv under the shadow of war to hold talks with President Zelenskyy.
It is the first-ever visit to Ukraine by an Indian prime minister after Ukraine became independent in 1991, and his trip comes amid Kyiv’s fresh military offensive in Russia’s western Kursk region.
“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”, PM Modi said in a post on X.
PM Modi also had discussions about the ongoing conflict. He said, “It is of topmost importance that peace be maintained. A peaceful solution to the conflict is best for humanity.”
The Prime Minister emphasised that India has not remained neutral in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, asserting that the country has consistently supported peace.
During his meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Kyiv, Modi reiterated India’s stance that dialogue and diplomacy are the only means to resolve the conflict and expressed India’s readiness to contribute actively to peace efforts.
On his visit to the Martyrologist Exposition, PM Modi said that he was deeply hurt. He said, “Truth is the first casualty of a war. I feel that innocent children are the first casualties of war.”
“Today is a historic day for the relationship between India and Ukraine because an Indian PM has visited Ukraine for the first time. Tomorrow is your National Day, and I, on behalf of the 140 crore Indians, congratulate you all,” PM Modi said during his meeting with Zelenskyy.
PM Modi thanked Zelenskyy for providing help during the initial stage of Russia-Ukraine war. He said: “You provided a lot of help in evacuating the Indian students who were trapped here. I, on behalf of the 140 crore people of the nation, would like to thank you for this.”
Additionally, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar disclosed that the bilateral discussions between Modi and President Zelenskyy primarily focused on the war in Ukraine.
Jaishankar also mentioned that both leaders have directed the Intergovernmental Commission, co-chaired by Minister Kuleba and himself, to concentrate on revitalizing trade and economic relations, with plans for an early meeting by the end of the year.
He highlighted the historic nature of PM Modi’s visit to Ukraine and expressed hope for President Zelenskyy’s future visit to India. Furthermore, India demonstrated solidarity by providing 22 tonnes of medical support equipment to Ukraine, reinforcing its ongoing humanitarian aid to the conflict-affected nation.