• Source:JND
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PM Modi Ukraine Visit:  In a first-ever visit by any Indian Prime Minister to the eastern European country, PM Modi is set to embark on a trip to war-torn Ukraine on August 23, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Monday. PM Modi is expected to land in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Friday, where he will hold bilateral talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, PTI reported.

While an official release from the Ukrainian President's office termed the meeting a discussion on "issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation", the Indian side said that it is "willing to contribute in finding a peaceful solution to the conflict in Ukraine".

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India has always been advocating diplomacy and dialogue to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said at a media briefing. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine will form a part of discussions, he said.

On questions of how would the visit impact the Indian-Russia ties, an MEA official said that India has an independent relationship with both Russia and Ukraine.

The release by Zelenskyy's office also anticipated several bilateral agreements between the two countries.

"On August 23, the National Flag Day of Ukraine, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi will pay an official visit to Ukraine. This is the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine in the history of our bilateral relations. During the visit, in particular, the talks with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be held to discuss issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation. It is also expected that several documents between Ukraine and India will be signed," the Ukrainian release stated.

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Meanwhile, the Indian side reiterated its support for a peaceful resolution of the conflict, which has been going on for almost 24 months.

"India has maintained a very clear and consistent position that only diplomacy and dialogue can resolve this conflict, which can lead to enduring peace...lasting peace can only be achieved by options that are acceptable to both the parties. On our part, India continues to engage with all stakeholders. Prime Minister Modi has had conversations with leaders of both Russia and Ukraine...India is ready to provide all possible support and contribution to find a peaceful solution to this complex issue," MEA Secretary Tanmaya Lal said.