Modi Offers to Bring Peace to Ukraine 'as a Friend'

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his role as a "friend" to Ukraine during a brief yet symbolically significant visit to Kyiv on Friday.

During a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Modi offered to help mediate peace in the ongoing war against Russia. His visit comes as Ukraine marks its Independence Day, with hopes that India might take a more active role in peace negotiations.

The discussions between the two leaders focused on Ukraine's peace formula, which prioritizes the restoration of territorial integrity and the withdrawal of Russian forces, according to a statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs.

"We strongly support respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity," Modi said, speaking through a translator during the meeting. "This is our utmost priority."

Modi, who recently met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, reiterated his belief that "problems cannot be resolved on the battlefield."

He added: "The only solution is through dialogue and diplomacy."

Ukrainian and Indian officials emphasized that the focus of the visit was to enhance economic and defense cooperation. However, political analysts suggest that Modi might also be signaling a shift toward a more neutral stance after previously appearing to lean toward Russia.

The visit began with both leaders paying their respects at a memorial dedicated to the hundreds of Ukrainian children who have been killed in the war, the Associated Press reported.

Modi also met with members of the Indian diaspora in Ukraine, who welcomed him with cheers of "Modi, Modi, Modi," and paid homage at the Mahatma Gandhi Monument in Kyiv.

Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine's presidential office, hailed Modi's visit as "historic" and underscored the hope that India could contribute to bringing about a "just peace" in line with Ukraine's vision.

"India is a respected global democracy and a powerful country," Yermak told India Today, stressing the importance of recognizing the aggressor and the victim in the ongoing conflict.

Modi's arrival in Kyiv followed a stop in Poland, where he also called for diplomatic efforts to end the war.

The visit marks the first by an Indian prime minister to Ukraine since the establishment of diplomatic relations more than three decades ago. It also comes just over a month after Zelensky expressed disappointment over Modi's meeting with Putin in Moscow, which coincided with a deadly missile strike in Ukraine.

Despite India's cautious stance, urging Russia and Ukraine to resolve the conflict through dialogue, the visit could signal a potential shift in India's approach to the war.

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