Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kyiv on Friday, Aug. 23, marking the highest-profile trip by a leader from a neutral nation during the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict. His visit is part of Ukraine’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to engage non-Western countries in potential peace talks.

Modi’s arrival follows a recent trip to Moscow, where he reinforced India’s close economic and defense ties with Russia. Ukraine has been critical of Modi’s relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, especially in light of Moscow’s military actions.
Despite India’s economic ties with Russia, the country has publicly condemned civilian casualties in the war. Ukraine hopes that engaging nations like India, which relies on Russian energy but denounces civilian deaths, could help build diplomatic leverage as the war continues.
![Kyiv [Ukraine], Aug 23 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Exposition 'Martyrologist', in Kyiv on Friday. They also honoured the memory of children. (ANI Photo)No Use India.](https://straightarrownews-develop.go-vip.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2024-08-23T091439Z_2077135364_MT1ASNEWS20240823077L_RTRMADP_3_ANI.jpg?w=1024)
In Kyiv, Modi met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Their discussions focused on the war’s global impact, potential paths toward a peaceful resolution, and how the war affects critical issues like grain exports and global food security, which also impact India.
Zelenskyy had previously expressed disappointment over Modi’s visit to Moscow. However, in Kyiv, Modi offered condolences for the loss of Ukrainian children in a recent attack, underscoring India’s concern over civilian casualties.
While India continues to strengthen its economic ties with Russia, becoming one of the largest buyers of Russian oil. Modi’s visit to Kyiv is aimed at positioning India as a leading advocate for the “global south.” His visit focused on promoting peace and addressing the global risks posed by the war.
Ukraine views Modi’s visit as an opportunity to strengthen relations with India, a country with “certain influence” over Moscow, according to an adviser to Zelenskyy. The visit is seen as an important step in Ukraine’s broader diplomatic strategy as the war continues.