Inside Mariinskyi Palace, The Grand RRR-Oscar-Fame Venue Where Zelenskyy Hosted PM Modi

Kyiv: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met today at Kyiv's Mariinskyi Palace. Constructed between 1747 and 1755 for Empress Elizabeth of Russia, daughter of Peter I The Great and Catherine I, the palace is celebrated for its historical and architectural significance. 

Now serving as the official residence of the President of Ukraine, the Mariinskyi Palace has also gained global recognition as the filming location for the Oscar-winning song "Naatu Naatu" from the film RRR. 

Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv, Ukraine, is a stunning architectural gem with a rich history. Designed by the renowned architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli in the 18th century, its baroque beauty captures the grandeur of its era. Initially built to house the Russian imperial family, the palace now serves as the official residence of the President of Ukraine.

As a symbol of Ukrainian cultural heritage, Mariinsky Palace continues to be a vibrant center for state events and ceremonies, reflecting both the elegance of its past and the significance of its present role.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit marks the first time an Indian leader has traveled to Ukraine since the two nations established diplomatic relations in 1992. This seven-hour trip occurs against the backdrop of the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict and as Kyiv launches a new offensive into Russian territory.

Meanwhile, India and Ukraine inked four agreements following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The agreements would provide for cooperation in areas of agriculture, food industry, medicine, culture and humanitarian assistance, officials said.

Earlier, Modi began the historic visit to the Ukrainian capital Kyiv under the shadow of war. He visited the multimedia Martyrologist exposition on children at the National Museum of History in Kyiv. Zelenskyy warmly hugged and shook hands with PM  Modi at the exposition.

The Prime Minister was deeply touched by the poignant exposition set up in memory of children who have lost their lives in the conflict, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

PM Modi also expressed his sorrow at the tragic loss of young lives and as a mark of respect placed a toy in their memory, it said.

The Prime Minister's visit to Kyiv is expected to last for around seven hours.

Ahead of his talks with Zelenskyy, PM Modi also paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue located in the 'Oasis of Peace' park in Kyiv.

PM Modi underscored the timeless relevance of Gandhi's message of peace in building a harmonious society and noted that the path shown by him offered solutions to present-day global challenges, the MEA said.