Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Kyiv on an official visit, where he is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The news of Modi's arrival was first reported by several foreign media outlets, and a video of his motorcade moving along one of Kyiv's central streets has already been shared online. According to The Times of India, Modi met with the Indian diaspora at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kyiv.
This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine in the history of bilateral relations. It is also Modi's first visit to Kyiv since the start of the full-scale Russo-Ukrainian war. His arrival coincides with Ukraine's National Flag Day, just one day before Independence Day.
Before arriving in Kyiv, Modi held talks in Poland, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Poland in 45 years. According to Bloomberg, his visit to Kyiv is expected to be brief, lasting only a few hours due to security concerns.
While no major statements are anticipated, some agreements are expected to be made, particularly in the areas of agriculture and defense. India is currently the largest importer of military equipment and systems, and Modi is keen on boosting domestic production of defense products.
"This visit will provide an opportunity to build on previous discussions and deepen the Indo-Ukrainian friendship. We will also share perspectives on a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. As a friend and partner, we hope for the swift restoration of peace and stability in the region," Modi wrote on social media platform X ahead of the visit.
During the visit, Zelenskyy and Modi are expected to discuss bilateral and multilateral cooperation. The two leaders last met in June in Italy at the G7 summit, where Zelenskyy congratulated Modi on his election victory, and they discussed the development of bilateral relations.
Additionally, several documents are expected to be signed between Ukraine and India.
Media reports also indicate that the Ukrainian state company "Zorya-Mashproekt" is in negotiations with Indian private companies about the joint production of gas turbines used on military ships. The two nations are also discussing the production of aircraft and aircraft engines in India.
