Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to engage in dialogue with Russia during his historic visit to Kyiv, the first by an Indian leader since Ukraine’s independence. Modi emphasized the importance of diplomacy to resolve the ongoing conflict, stating, “The road to resolution can only be found through dialogue” .
Kabul 24: Modi offered India’s assistance as a “friend” to facilitate peace efforts, acknowledging the humanitarian impact of the war, particularly the loss of children . Zelenskiy expressed appreciation for Modi’s tribute to the victims of a recent missile strike on a children’s hospital .
Diplomatic Dynamic
Despite Modi’s call for talks, skepticism remains regarding India’s ability to mediate effectively, given its historical ties with Russia and recent criticisms from Ukraine following Modi’s prior visit to Moscow . Zelenskiy reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing that any peace must align with Kyiv’s terms .
Future Prospects
As Ukraine prepares for a second international summit on peace, Modi’s visit highlights India’s potential role in the geopolitical landscape, balancing relations with both Russia and Western allies .
