Ukraine President Zelenskyy Hails India's Role in Promoting Peace

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed confidence in India's role in bringing peace to the conflict-ridden region. He highlighted India's influence and support for Ukraine's sovereignty during a meeting with PM Narendra Modi, calling the visit historic and crucial for bilateral relations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday expressed confidence in India's potential to bring peace to the conflict-ridden region.

Speaking to ANI in Kyiv, Zelenskyy emphasized, "India will play its role. India has begun to recognize that this is not merely a conflict but a real war waged by one man, Putin, against the whole country of Ukraine. India, being a significant nation with substantial influence, can put pressure on Putin, halting his economy and putting him in his place." Zelenskyy echoed the peace message conveyed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their bilateral meeting at Mariinskyi Palace.

Prime Minister Modi had assured Zelenskyy that dialogue was the only viable solution to the Ukraine conflict. "India has never been neutral; we have always sided with peace," Modi stated during the meeting. He reiterated India's readiness to actively contribute to peace and progress, emphasizing the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Modi further highlighted India's commitment to peace, citing his discussions with President Putin. "In my recent visit to Russia, I clearly stated that solutions are never found on the battlefield but through talks, dialogue, and diplomacy. Both sides should sit together to find a way out of this crisis. Today, I want to discuss specifically paths to peace and progress with you. India stands ready to play an active role in every peace effort, and I am personally willing to contribute," he assured Zelenskyy.

Earlier, Zelenskyy praised PM Modi's visit as a historic event, marking Modi's first visit to Ukraine on the eve of its Independence Day. The two nations signed four agreements covering medical, agricultural, humanitarian, and cultural cooperation. They also agreed on a joint statement to foster strategic partnership, bilateral trade, and military-technical cooperation. India affirmed its support for Ukraine's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, a critical stance in upholding the UN Charter.

The positive message from Zelenskyy underscores the significant role India can play in fostering peace and progress in the region.