PM Modi to visit war-hit Ukraine, a month after his Russia trip

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit war-hit Ukraine on August 23 on the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Monday.

Modi will become the first Indian prime minister to visit Ukraine ever since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1992.

“The prime minister’s engagements in Kyiv will touch a range of aspects of bilateral ties including political, trade, economic, investments, education, cultural, people-to-people exchanges, humanitarian assistance and others,” the MEA said in a statement.

Modi will also interact with the Indian community, including students during the visit. 

Meanwhile, India reiterated its stance on the Russia-Ukraine war that began in February 2022, saying only dialogue and diplomacy can lead to a lasting resolution of the conflict. 

MEA Secretary (West) Tanmaya Lal said in a special briefing that India has substantive and independent ties with both Russia and Ukraine and these partnerships with the two nations "stand on their own".

He said India is ready to extend all possible support and contribution for finding a peaceful solution to the conflict.

“Prime Minister Modi has had conversations with leaders of both Russia and Ukraine...India is ready to provide all possible support and contribution to find peaceful solution to this complex issue," Lal said.

Ukraine president’s office also confirmed Modi’s visit, and said the two sides will discuss bilateral and multilateral cooperation and multiple agreements.

"On August 23, the National Flag Day of Ukraine, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi will pay an official visit to Ukraine. This is the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine in the history of our bilateral relations," the presidential office said in a statement. 

Modi had travelled to Russia last month and held talks with President Vladimir Putin on ways to diversify the bilateral relations.