Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit war-hit Ukraine on August 23, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Monday. Secretary West, MEA, Tanmaya Lal said, “PM Narendra Modi will undertake an official visit to Ukraine later this week on Friday, August 23, on the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.”
Lal said this is a “landmark and historic visit since this will be the first time an Indian” prime minister will be visiting Ukraine in more than 30 years since we established our diplomatic relations. "This visit will build upon the recent high-level interactions between the leaders...," he added.
This is also the first time that an Indian leader is visiting Ukraine after Russia launched a war against the European country in February 2022.
In a press conference on Friday, Tanmaya Lal said, “India has maintained a very clear and consistent position that diplomacy and dialogue can resolve this conflict [between Russia and Ukraine] and which can lead to enduring peace, so dialogue is absolutely essential.”
"Lasting peace can only be achieved through options that are acceptable to both parties and it can only be a negotiated settlement. on our part, India continues to engage with all stakeholders," Lal said.
He added that Prime Minister Modi has had conversations with leaders of both Russia and Ukraine. He mentioned that the PM also visited Russia.
"India is willing to provide all possible support and contribution required to help find peaceful solutions to this complex issue and at this stage, it is not for us to anticipate or prejudge what the outcome of these discussions will be between the leaders of India and Ukraine," Lal said.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian presidency also said in a statement, "Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi will pay an official visit to Ukraine on August 23." He added that this would be his first trip and "a number of documents are also expected to be signed", AFP reported.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and PM Narendra Modi will discuss their countries' relations and multilateral cooperation during Modi's visit to Kyiv on August 23, the Ukrainian presidential office said on Monday.
PM Modi will also visit Poland on August 21-22, 2024. This will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Poland in the past 45 years.
The Ministry of External Affairs said, "Prime Minister will be accorded a ceremonial welcome in Warsaw. He will call on President H.E. Mr. Andrzej Sebastian Duda and will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Donald Tusk. Prime Minister will also interact with the Indian community in Poland."
