Finance
During his historic visit to Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited President Volodymyr Zelensky to visit India, which the Ukrainian leader accepted.
During his talks with Zelensky, PM Modi underlined India’s principled attitude and commitment to a peaceful resolution of the continuing Russia-Ukraine issue through dialogue and diplomacy. He also emphasized India’s willingness to cooperate in “all possible ways” to expedite the return of peace to the region.
Later, in a press briefing following the talks between the two leaders, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar revealed that PM Modi had offered President Zelensky to visit India, which the latter had accepted, adding he would be delighted to visit the “big and great” country.
PM Modi invited President Zelensky to India after their wide-ranging talks on Friday.
PM Modi’s visit to Kyiv, which was accompanied by strict security, was the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine since the country gained independence more than three decades ago.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told the reporters, “It’s significant that our prime minister is visiting Ukraine for the first time since 1992.” It is customary on such situations for him to offer an invitation, as he did in this case.
“So we expect that at some point, as per his convenience, President Zelensky will visit India.”
The joint statement issued at the end of the visit also mentioned that the Indian PM had invited the Ukrainian President to visit India.
Asked by the media about PM Modi’s invitation, President Zelensky said he would be happy 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 said.
The Ukrainian President also said he wants India to be on the side of his country in the war with Russia.
“I read a lot 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.
However, the President made it clear that the visit would depend on the situation in the war-ravaged nation.
Source:IANS
