'We're Not Neutral, on Side of Peace': PM Modi Tells Zelenskyy During Historic Visit to Ukraine

Kyiv: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday told President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that he has come to Kyiv as a messenger of peace for Ukraine-Russuia war saying the solution will not be on the battlefield, it's only possible through dialogue and diplomacy.

Issuing a joint statement after holding bilateral talks with Zelenskyy, PM Modi said, “I express my gratitude to you that you helped in the evacuation of Indian nationals and student during the time of crisis. India is standing beside you for humanitarian support.”

“When I Met Russian President Vladimir Putin, I told him too that this is not an era of war,” PM Modi said.

“I thank you (President Zelenskyy) for your warm welcome to me and my delegation... Today is a very historic day for India and Ukraine relations... A PM of India has come to Ukraine for the first time which is in itself a historic event... Tomorrow is your national day and we congratulate you for this... We pray for peace (in Ukraine)...,” the Prime Minister said.

Further speaking on Ukraine-Russia war, PM Modi said, “Truth is the first casualty of a war, and I was deeply hurt today when I visited (the Martyrologist Exposition) on children at the National Museum of History. I feel that innocent children are the first casualties of war.”

“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,” he added.

Earlier, addressing a presser in Kyiv, S Jaishankar said, “...We would urge Indian students caution in Ukraine. We hope that this conflict will come to an end and life will return to normal...”

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