Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended an invitation to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky to visit India during his historic visit to Ukraine. The Ukrainian leader accepted this invitation.
Against this background, visiting PM Modi, in his talks with Zelensky, reaffirmed India's principled position and commitment to a peaceful settlement to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. He also reiterated India's readiness to contribute in "all possible ways" to facilitate the speedy return of peace in the region.
Later, addressing a press briefing after the talks between the two leaders, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that PM Modi had extended an invitation to President Zelensky to visit India and he had accepted the invitation, saying he would be happy to visit the "big and great" country.
PM Modi extended an invitation to President Zelensky to visit India during the wide-ranging talks between the two leaders on Friday.
The visit of PM Modi to Kyiv, amidst tight security, was the first-ever trip to Ukraine by an Indian PM since it became independent over three decades ago.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told the media, "It's significant that our prime minister has visited Ukraine for the first time since 1992. It is natural on such occasions that he extends an invitation, which he did in this case.".
"So we assume that at some point in time, at his convenience, President Zelensky will visit India."
The joint statement issued at the end of the visit also mentioned an invitation extended by the Indian PM to the Ukrainian President to visit India.
On being asked by the media about PM Modi's invitation, President Zelensky said he would be glad to visit India at a mutually convenient time.
"Yes because when you begin a strategic partnership, and you begin some dialogue, I think that you don't need to waste time and do a big pause and that's why I think it will be good to meet together again," he had said.
The Ukrainian President had also asserted that he wants India to be on the side of his country in the war with Russia.
"I have read much about your big and great country. It's very interesting, I very much need your country on our side. I will be happy to come to India as soon as your government and Prime Minister will be ready to see me," Zelensky said.
The President, however, made it clear that the visit would depend on the situation in war-ravaged nation.
Read also | Russia's US Envoy Warns of 'Severe Punishment' in Putin's Response to Kursk Incursion
Read also| North Korea Criticizes US Nuclear Strategy and Promises Enhanced Nuclear Development
