Modi Calls for Peace Talks in Historic Kyiv Visit

In a crucial visit to Kyiv, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to engage in dialogue with Russia to end the ongoing conflict. Modi offered India's support in facilitating peace talks. The visit marks the first by an Indian prime minister in modern Ukrainian history.

In a significant move, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday to initiate peace talks with Russia, aiming to bring an end to the prolonged conflict in Ukraine. Modi's offer to act as a mediator highlights India's growing role on the global diplomatic stage.

This visit, the first by an Indian prime minister in modern Ukrainian history, comes at a volatile juncture with Russia making slow gains in eastern Ukraine while Kyiv presses a cross-border incursion. Modi's prior visit to Moscow last month, where he called for peace and embraced Russian President Vladimir Putin, had sparked criticism from Ukraine, particularly following a missile strike on a children's hospital in Kyiv.

Modi reiterated India's readiness to support peace efforts and expressed his willingness to personally contribute to the process. However, the reception from Kyiv remains unclear, particularly with an upcoming U.S. presidential election, a close ally of Ukraine, looming. Zelenskiy emphasized that ending the war and attaining a just peace are Ukraine's highest priorities.

(With inputs from agencies.)