A delegation-level meeting was held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, Ukraine, today. During the meeting, four MoUs were signed and exchanged in the presence of both leaders. The MoUs were signed to bolster bilateral ties in various fields, including community development projects in Ukraine, drug control standards, cultural exchange, and agriculture.

Briefing the media on the Prime Minister’s visit to Ukraine, External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar said discussions were devoted to bilateral relations, trade, economic issues, defence, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. He said both the leaders discussed the conflict in Ukraine. Dr. Jaishankar said it is India’s view that two sides need to engage with each other to find the solution. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated the need for sincere and practical engagement between all the stakeholders to develop innovative solutions that have broad acceptability and contribute towards early restoration of peace. He said Prime Minister Modi also reiterated India’s willingness to contribute in all possible ways to the early return of peace.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Kyiv from Poland by special train. Members of the Indian diaspora accorded a warm welcome to the Prime Minister on his arrival in Kyiv. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the multimedia martyrology exhibition on children at the National Museum of History of Ukraine in Kyiv. He was accompanied by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Both the leaders honoured the memory of children.

Prime Minister Modi was deeply touched by the poignant exposition set up in memory of children who have lost their lives in the conflict. He expressed his sorrow at the tragic loss of young lives and, as a mark of respect, placed a toy in their memory. Mr. Modi paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue in Kiev. He underscored the timeless relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s message of peace in building a harmonious society. He noted that the path shown by him offered solutions to present-day global challenges.

This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine after the diplomatic relations between the two countries began in 1992.