I Very Much Need India On Our Side, Says Zelenskyy After PM Modi's Historic Visit To Kyiv

Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday said that he has plans to visit India after meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who concluded his historic visit to Kyiv earlier today. 

Addressing a press conference in Kyiv after meeting PM Modi, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy was asked whether he would visit India. Responding to media, Zelenskyy said, “Yes (I have plans to visit India) because when you begin a partnership, strategic partnership, and you begin some dialogue, I think that you don't need to lose time and do big pauses and that's why I think it will be good to meet together again."

“And if our meeting will be in India, I'll be happy to. I read a lot about your big and great country. It's very interesting. I will not have time to see your country. It's a pity because, during the war, I didn't have time to look and to see. But I think it's important any way to see your people. I think to understand the country is to understand people also. I don't think that I will have enough time but anyway, it's better to be in your country because to find the key to your country and your prime minister is to see your people.”

“I need very much to find a key to your country because I very much need your country on our side... It's not about your historical choice. But who knows? Maybe your country can be the key to this diplomatic influence. That's why I'll be happy to come to India as soon as your government and prime minister are ready to see me....”

Speaking on PM Modi's visit to Ukraine, Zelenskyy said, “I am happy that PM Modi came to visit us and I believe this is very important... This is the first visit of the prime Minister of India to Ukraine. We are ready on our part to do the respective steps. We've heard messages from the Indian side that they would be happy to welcome our team to India. I believe this is the approximation of our parties that is positive, not negative.”

"As for Putin, my position was that my signal of condemnation was not because the PM (Modi) came to see Putin, but because the PM came to Putin and Putin killed our children. We wanted to have some reaction, to hear some response. I think it's important that the democratic world understands what is happening, and that Putin is a killer. As for the hugs with the PM of India or the handshakes or anything else, it's the decision made by every leader. I can't tell you anything about that. I believe that if the leaders of the world are meeting with other leaders who kill people and children, conquer territories, and invade the territories, it means that there is no diplomatic isolation to this person. It means that this is an act... A person like Putin would understand that he's doing something wrong, that he is isolated, that he's alone, and that the whole world condemns him. That is why I believe that we cannot remain silent. We have to respond. And I always respond because I know what would be the end to that... So I will keep reminding anyone we have context with, and I think this is important...," Zelenskyy said.

"With regards to the citizens of India that were tricked to participate in the combat operations - PM Modi started with that, he said that he condemns it and he will make everything possible for the citizens of India not to be fighting in the lines of the Russian Army. I perfectly understand him... As for the Peace Summit, I truly believe that the second Peace Summit has to take place. It would be good if it would be held in one of the Global South Countries... I perfectly support this and told this to PM Modi that we could have the Global Peace Summit in India. It's a big country, it's a great democracy - the largest...," Ukrainian President said when asked some Indians participated in war from Russia's side.

On his meeting with PM Narendra Modi, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, “A very good meeting. This is a historic one... I am very thankful to the PM for coming. It's a good beginning with some practical steps... If he (PM Modi) has ideas (on peace) we will happy to speak about it. But we don't change our territories on any propositions... PM Modi wants peace more than Putin... The problem is that Putin doesn't want it. I don't know what did they speak about when they had meeting... If during the official visit of PM, you attack the children in hospital... So, he had to recognise that he (Russian President) doesn't respect India or doesn't control his Army... It means that he doesn't respect Indian PM... So, for me, he is very clear. He is not so smart as his Russian TV shows.”

When asked is Ukraine ready to directly engage with India, Zelenskyy said, “Yeah, we are ready (to directly engage with India and buy products made in India in the near future). I gave these all messages to your productions. As I said, we are ready to exchange…We are.”

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