During Historic Visit, Modi and Zelensky Share a Warm Embrace Amid Russia-Ukraine Tensions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Friday, marking a significant moment during his historic visit to the war-torn nation. The two leaders exchanged a firm handshake and a heartfelt hug at the entrance of the Martyrologist Exposition at the Ukraine National Museum, setting the tone for their subsequent bilateral meeting at the Mariinsky presidential palace.

In a video posted on X, Zelensky remarked, “Today in Kyiv, Prime Minister @NarendraModi and I honored the memory of the children whose lives were claimed by Russian aggression. Every child, in every country, deserves to live in safety. We must work to make this a reality.”

This visit makes Modi the first Indian prime minister to visit Ukraine since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries over 30 years ago. Modi’s visit comes at a crucial time, as he is expected to push for a diplomatic solution to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia—a resolution that seems increasingly difficult as Ukraine continues its unexpected offensive into Russia’s western Kursk region. Before reaching Kyiv, Prime Minister Modi stopped in Poland on Thursday, where he emphasized the need for stronger diplomatic efforts to end the war.

“No problem can be solved on the battlefield,” Modi stated ahead of his visit, reiterating India’s support for “dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace and stability as soon as possible.”

Despite India’s hesitance to outright condemn Russia’s invasion, Modi has consistently urged both Russia and Ukraine to resolve their differences through dialogue. The prime minister’s visit to Kyiv is widely viewed as a diplomatic balancing act, especially following his visit to Russia, which stirred unease among Western nations.

Modi recently faced criticism from Zelensky for embracing Russian President Vladimir Putin during a visit to Moscow in July. Zelensky described that meeting as a “huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts.”

Modi’s arrival in Kyiv was preceded by a nearly 10-hour train journey from Poland. Upon reaching the city, he received a warm welcome from the Indian community at the Hyatt Hotel. He then proceeded to the Martyrologist Exposition at the Ukraine National Museum, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.