Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to visit India during their extensive talks in Kyiv on Friday. This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine since it gained independence over three decades ago.
PM Modi’s visit, which lasted nearly nine hours, was significant as it included discussions on bilateral ties and global issues. During the media briefing following the talks, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed that PM Modi extended the invitation to President Zelenskyy for a visit to India.
“Our Prime Minister’s visit to Ukraine, the first since 1992, naturally included an invitation for President Zelenskyy to visit India at a mutually convenient time,” Mr. Jaishankar said.
President Zelenskyy expressed his willingness to accept the invitation, describing India as a “great country” and stating that he looks forward to strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations. “When you start a strategic dialogue, it’s important not to delay follow-up meetings. I think it would be beneficial for us to meet again soon,” said Zelenskyy. He also emphasized his interest in gaining India’s support, adding, “I read a lot about your big and great country. It’s very interesting, and we very much need your country on our side.”
Zelenskyy acknowledged that the timing of his visit would also depend on the evolving situation in Ukraine.
In the discussions, India’s energy trade with Russia was also addressed. Mr. Jaishankar explained that India’s purchase of Russian oil is driven by market conditions, noting the challenges posed by sanctions on energy producers and the need to maintain stable global oil prices.
India has become one of the largest importers of Russian crude oil, accounting for nearly 40% of its total oil imports, following discounted rates amid sanctions on Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine. In July alone, India purchased $2.8 billion worth of Russian crude, second only to China.
This diplomatic exchange highlights the evolving relations between India and Ukraine, with potential strategic collaborations on the horizon.
