Modi's historic Ukraine visit could aid 'Zelensky’s vision' for peace, says White House

The United States has described Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ukraine as "potentially helpful," AFP reported on Friday (August 23), citing the White House.

PM Modi reached Ukraine after a seven-hour train journey from Poland. This marks the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Ukraine. The White Housesaid that it believes Modi's visit could contribute positively to the situation in Ukraine.

If Modi's Ukraine trip can work toward "getting us to an end to the conflict that comports with President (Volodymyr) Zelensky's vision for a just peace, well, then we think that would be helpful," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said during a press briefing.

In a joint statement released on Friday, the Indian PM and Ukrainian presidenthighlighted their shared interest in advancing bilateral relations between the two nations. PM Modi emphasised his message of peace and urged both Russia and Ukraine to engage in talks to end the war as soon as possible.

"The road to resolution can only be found through dialogue and diplomacy. And we should move in that direction without wasting any time. Both sides should sit together to find a way out of this crisis," the Indian PM said.

"I want to assure you that India is ready to play an active role in any efforts towards peace. If I can play any role in this personally, I will do that I want to assure you as a friend," he added.

"Our approach are always people centric- I want to assure to the whole world that we stand for territorial integrity. While I was in Moscow - I told very clear that this is not time for war, any resolution can bring through dialogue, discussion not on war field. Both sides need to sit together and should find way for peace," Modi said.

(With inputs from agencies)