File photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his warm wishes on Ukraine’s Independence Day and underlined Kyiv’s hope for India’s role in ending the ongoing conflict.“Thank you, Prime Minister @narendramodi, for the warm greetings on Ukraine’s Independence Day. We appreciate India’s dedication to peace and dialogue,” Zelenskyy said in a post on X.He added, “Now, as the entire world strives to end this horrible war with dignity and lasting peace, we count on India’s contribution. Every decision that strengthens diplomacy leads to better security not only in Europe, but also in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.” Alongside his message, Zelenskyy also shared Prime Minister Modi’s letter addressed to him. In the letter, PM Modi had extended greetings to the people of Ukraine and recalled his visit to Kyiv last year.“I also take this opportunity to extend my greetings to you and the people of Ukraine on the occasion of your Independence Day. I warmly recall my visit to Kyiv in August last year, and note the progress in the India-Ukraine bilateral relations since then. I look forward to working with you to further strengthen our mutually beneficial cooperation,” PM Modi wrote.Reiterating India’s consistent stand, the Prime Minister said, “India has always stood on the side of peace. India remains committed to extending all possible support for sincere efforts seeking an early, abiding and peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.” He also conveyed his wishes for Zelenskyy’s health and well-being.The exchange of greetings comes amid New Delhi’s growing diplomatic engagement with Kyiv. Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksandr Polishchuk recently confirmed that PM Modi has invited President Zelenskyy to visit India, with both sides working on finalising dates. The envoy praised India’s position, saying New Delhi is “not neutral” but firmly supports peace and dialogue.The outreach follows earlier exchanges on India’s Independence Day, when Zelenskyy expressed hope that India would contribute to global peace efforts and highlighted opportunities for bilateral cooperation in trade, technology and culture.Both leaders, through their messages, placed emphasis on dialogue, diplomacy, and strengthening bilateral ties while reaffirming the importance of a peaceful resolution to the war.
