**Kyiv, Ukraine** – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic visit to Ukraine on Friday, marking the first time an Indian leader has set foot in the country since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. This visit comes at a crucial time as the Russia-Ukraine war continues to devastate the region, drawing international attention.

Arriving in Kyiv after a nearly 10-hour train journey from Poland, Modi's visit carries significant geopolitical implications. The Indian Prime Minister met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the National Museum of History of Ukraine, where they paid tribute to the children who have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict. Modi's heartfelt gesture emphasized the profound impact of the war on innocent lives, particularly children.

"My heart goes out to the families of the children who have perished in this tragic conflict," Modi shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). "Conflict is especially devastating for the young, and I pray for the strength of those who have suffered such unimaginable loss."

Zelensky, who accompanied Modi during the museum visit, echoed the sentiment, stating, "Children in every country deserve to live in safety. Today in Kyiv, Prime Minister Modi and I honored the memory of the young lives taken by Russian aggression."

Modi’s visit to Ukraine is not only symbolic but also strategic. It follows closely on the heels of his high-profile trip to Moscow, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This visit had raised eyebrows in the West, as India has maintained a delicate balance in its foreign relations, seeking to preserve ties with Russia—a key arms supplier and long-standing partner—while also engaging with Western nations.

During his time in Kyiv, Modi also paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at a statue located in the ‘Oasis of Peace’ park. He described Gandhi’s ideals as universal, offering hope to millions and urging everyone to follow the path of peace.

The timing of Modi's visit is particularly significant, as it comes just ahead of Ukraine’s Independence Day and at a pivotal moment in the two-and-a-half-year war. Ukrainian forces have recently launched an unprecedented offensive into Russian territory, further escalating the conflict. Zelensky and his administration are urgently seeking to rally global support for their peace initiative, which hinges on the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian soil.

Modi's visit to Ukraine has been closely watched by international observers, particularly in Washington. The U.S. has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine, providing significant military and economic aid. However, concerns are growing about the sustainability of this support, especially with the upcoming U.S. presidential election and the potential for a shift in foreign policy.

In a press conference in Warsaw prior to his arrival in Kyiv, Modi reiterated India’s stance on the conflict, emphasizing the need for dialogue and diplomacy. "No problem can be solved on the battlefield," he said, signaling India's readiness to support peaceful resolutions alongside its allies.

The Ukrainian presidential office has indicated that Modi and Zelensky discussed a wide range of issues, including bilateral and multilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, infrastructure, and defense. As Ukraine looks to rebuild and restore trade relations that have been severely impacted by the war, India's involvement could play a crucial role.

Modi’s visit to Ukraine, though brief, is seen as a significant diplomatic move. It underscores India's intent to remain engaged in global peace efforts while navigating the complex web of international relations. With the world watching, Modi’s actions in Kyiv could have far-reaching implications for the ongoing conflict and for India’s role on the global stage.