Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his Independence Day greetings and said India’s voice could help shape a path to peace.
“Thank you, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for the warm greetings on Ukraine’s Independence Day. We appreciate India’s dedication to peace and dialogue,” Zelenskyy posted on X.
The Ukrainian President stressed the urgency of ending the war with Russia. “Now, as the entire world strives to end this horrible war with dignity and lasting peace, we count on India’s contribution. Every decision that strengthens diplomacy leads to better security not only in Europe, but also in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.”
Zelenskyy also shared Modi’s letter, in which the Prime Minister recalled his visit to Kyiv last year and spoke of strengthening ties.
“I warmly recall my visit to Kyiv in August last year, and note the progress in the India-Ukraine bilateral relations since then,” PM Modi wrote, adding that he looked forward to deeper cooperation.
PM Modi repeated India’s familiar position of pushing for dialogue rather than force. “India has always stood on the side of peace. India remains committed to extending all possible support for sincere efforts seeking an early, abiding and peaceful resolution of the conflict,” he said.
The Prime Minister also extended his greetings to Ukrainians on their Independence Day and conveyed his “sincere wishes” for Zelenskyy’s health and the prosperity of Ukraine.
This comes after Ukraine’s Ambassador to India, Oleksandr Polishchuk confirmed that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to visit India soon, with both sides working to finalise the date following an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He said Kyiv views India as a significant partner in peace negotiations because of its ties with Moscow and urged greater Indian involvement in ending the Russia-Ukraine war. “We expect more Indian involvement in the peace-building process in Ukraine and definitely in the political negotiation with the Russians,” he stated.