How global media covered PM Narendra Modi's historic Ukraine visit, meeting with President Zelensky
HT News Desk | Edited by Aniruddha Dhar
Aug 24, 2024
PM Narendra Modi's visit marks the first ever by an Indian prime minister to Ukraine since diplomatic ties were established between two countries in 1992.
PM Narendra Modi Ukraine visit updates: In a landmark visit to Kyiv, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered “as a friend” to help bring peace to Ukraine in a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with many in the war-torn country hoping that it would pave the way for an Indian role in peace mediation.
HT News Desk | Edited by Aniruddha Dhar
Aug 24, 2024
PM Narendra Modi's visit marks the first ever by an Indian prime minister to Ukraine since diplomatic ties were established between two countries in 1992.
PM Narendra Modi Ukraine visit updates: In a landmark visit to Kyiv, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered “as a friend” to help bring peace to Ukraine in a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with many in the war-torn country hoping that it would pave the way for an Indian role in peace mediation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on August 23, 2024. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)
The first visit by an Indian prime minister in modern Ukrainian history came at a volatile juncture in the war launched by Russia in February 2022. Russia is making slow gains in eastern Ukraine as Kyiv presses a cross-border incursion.
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News agency Reuters reported that the optics closely resembled the PM Narendra Modi's visit to Moscow last month where he called for peace and embraced Russian President Vladimir Putin, angering Ukraine, where a Russian missile strike hit a children's hospital on the same day.
Also Read | ‘Putin doesn’t respect you': Zelensky flags India-Russia trade amid conflict
The BBC reported that “it was surely no coincidence that the first place Mr Modi was taken on Friday was Ukraine’s history museum where he was invited to watch an exhibition remembering all of the 570 Ukrainian children reported to have been killed since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022”.
The first visit by an Indian prime minister in modern Ukrainian history came at a volatile juncture in the war launched by Russia in February 2022. Russia is making slow gains in eastern Ukraine as Kyiv presses a cross-border incursion.
Get Unlimited access to Hindustan Times E-paper and Archives at 1199/- per year
News agency Reuters reported that the optics closely resembled the PM Narendra Modi's visit to Moscow last month where he called for peace and embraced Russian President Vladimir Putin, angering Ukraine, where a Russian missile strike hit a children's hospital on the same day.
Also Read | ‘Putin doesn’t respect you': Zelensky flags India-Russia trade amid conflict
The BBC reported that “it was surely no coincidence that the first place Mr Modi was taken on Friday was Ukraine’s history museum where he was invited to watch an exhibition remembering all of the 570 Ukrainian children reported to have been killed since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022”.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during presentation of BHISHM cube to Ukraine, in Kyiv, Friday. (PTI Photo)
“Conflict is particularly devastating for young children,” Modi wrote on the social media platform X. “My heart goes out to the families of children who lost their lives, and I pray that they find the strength to endure their grief.”
They laid teddy bears at the memorial at the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II before observing a moment of silence.
Also Read | In Ukraine, PM Modi urges Zelensky to sit down for talks with Russia
News agency Associated Press, citing analysts, reported that visit to Ukraine could also be an attempt by Modi to strike a more neutral stance after what has been seen as his lean toward Russia.
He also chided Modi for hugging Putin during their meeting. But on Friday Zelenskyy also hugged Modi, apparently putting aside his criticism, the AP report added.
A Ukrainian analyst said the outcome of Modi’s first visit is likely to be modest, as this is just "the beginning of a complex dialogue between India, Ukraine, and Europe”, the report said.
“Establishing relations with India will be challenging and a long process,” AP quoted Yurii Bohdanov on his Telegram channel as saying.
If India were to support Ukraine’s approach to a peace settlement, it could enhance Kyiv's chances of gaining more backing from other countries in the “Global South", where “India remains China’s main competitor for influence,” he said.
“This will further increase pressure on Russia,” Bohdanov added.
In another report, the BBC, citing Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Centre think-tank in Washington, reported the trip will further reassert India’s strategic autonomy.
“India isn’t in the business of placating Western powers, or anyone for that matter. It’s a trip meant to advance Indian interests, by reasserting friendship with Kyiv and conveying its concerns about the continuing war,” Kugelman said.
'Significant visit'
In the run-up to the visit, Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser in Zelensky's office, told Reuters it was significant because New Delhi “really has a certain influence” over Moscow.
"It's extremely important for us to effectively build relations with such countries, to explain to them what the correct end to the war is - and that it is also in their interests," he said.
As Western nations have imposed sanctions on Russia and cut trade relations with it over the invasion, India has developed its economic ties.
Indian refiners that rarely bought Russian oil in the past have emerged as Moscow's top clients for seaborne crude since Russia poured troops into Ukraine two-and-a-half years ago. Russian oil accounts for over two-fifths of India's oil imports.
The chief of Ukraine’s Presidential Office Andriy Yermak said Modi's visit was historic and emphasised Ukraine’s expectation that India could play a role in ending the war with a “just peace,” referring to Ukraine’s peace formula.
“It’s important to have diplomatic evidence that the picture is more complicated, and these players also respect Ukraine and engage with Ukraine under these circumstances,” New York Times quoted Ukraine’s foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba as saying in an interview.
The NYT reported claimed Indian officials have said they are not seeking a mediating role but will convey messages between Ukraine and Russia if requested.
“India is seen as interested in a resolution to the war to avoid further isolation of Russia in the West, which could push Moscow into a closer embrace with China, India’s rival in Asia,” it reported.
Modi's visit, said Kuleba, is a “big diplomatic breakthrough” for Ukraine in its effort to press neutral nations to show balance in their relations with the warring countries. He added that Ukraine is not seeking a mediating role by India in potential talks, the report added.
“Conflict is particularly devastating for young children,” Modi wrote on the social media platform X. “My heart goes out to the families of children who lost their lives, and I pray that they find the strength to endure their grief.”
They laid teddy bears at the memorial at the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II before observing a moment of silence.
Also Read | In Ukraine, PM Modi urges Zelensky to sit down for talks with Russia
News agency Associated Press, citing analysts, reported that visit to Ukraine could also be an attempt by Modi to strike a more neutral stance after what has been seen as his lean toward Russia.
He also chided Modi for hugging Putin during their meeting. But on Friday Zelenskyy also hugged Modi, apparently putting aside his criticism, the AP report added.
A Ukrainian analyst said the outcome of Modi’s first visit is likely to be modest, as this is just "the beginning of a complex dialogue between India, Ukraine, and Europe”, the report said.
“Establishing relations with India will be challenging and a long process,” AP quoted Yurii Bohdanov on his Telegram channel as saying.
If India were to support Ukraine’s approach to a peace settlement, it could enhance Kyiv's chances of gaining more backing from other countries in the “Global South", where “India remains China’s main competitor for influence,” he said.
“This will further increase pressure on Russia,” Bohdanov added.
In another report, the BBC, citing Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Centre think-tank in Washington, reported the trip will further reassert India’s strategic autonomy.
“India isn’t in the business of placating Western powers, or anyone for that matter. It’s a trip meant to advance Indian interests, by reasserting friendship with Kyiv and conveying its concerns about the continuing war,” Kugelman said.
'Significant visit'
In the run-up to the visit, Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser in Zelensky's office, told Reuters it was significant because New Delhi “really has a certain influence” over Moscow.
"It's extremely important for us to effectively build relations with such countries, to explain to them what the correct end to the war is - and that it is also in their interests," he said.
As Western nations have imposed sanctions on Russia and cut trade relations with it over the invasion, India has developed its economic ties.
Indian refiners that rarely bought Russian oil in the past have emerged as Moscow's top clients for seaborne crude since Russia poured troops into Ukraine two-and-a-half years ago. Russian oil accounts for over two-fifths of India's oil imports.
The chief of Ukraine’s Presidential Office Andriy Yermak said Modi's visit was historic and emphasised Ukraine’s expectation that India could play a role in ending the war with a “just peace,” referring to Ukraine’s peace formula.
“It’s important to have diplomatic evidence that the picture is more complicated, and these players also respect Ukraine and engage with Ukraine under these circumstances,” New York Times quoted Ukraine’s foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba as saying in an interview.
The NYT reported claimed Indian officials have said they are not seeking a mediating role but will convey messages between Ukraine and Russia if requested.
“India is seen as interested in a resolution to the war to avoid further isolation of Russia in the West, which could push Moscow into a closer embrace with China, India’s rival in Asia,” it reported.
Modi's visit, said Kuleba, is a “big diplomatic breakthrough” for Ukraine in its effort to press neutral nations to show balance in their relations with the warring countries. He added that Ukraine is not seeking a mediating role by India in potential talks, the report added.
‘Today, history was made’: Zelenskyy on Modi's Ukraine visit. His Instagram post breaks record
By HT News Desk
Aug 23, 2024
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Modi’s visit “friendly” and “symbolic” because Modi came the day before Ukraine’s Independence Day.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged the significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Kyiv on Friday, as he listed the agreements reached by the two countries to deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields.
The Ukrainian leader highlighted the signing of four bilateral agreements covering the medical field, agricultural cooperation, humanitarian relations, and culture, signalling a new chapter in Ukraine-India relations.
The visit saw the two leaders agree on a joint statement emphasising the development of a strategic partnership, bilateral trade, and continued military-technical cooperation.
“India supports Ukraine's national sovereignty and territorial integrity. And this is critical because everyone in the world must equally respect the UN Charter,” Zelenskyy added.
Zelenskyy's Instagram post with Modi
Zelenskyy also posted pictures of his meeting with PM Modi on his Instagram account, which quickly became his most popular post on the platform, garnering over 1 million likes within hours of being uploaded.
In his post, Zelenskyy said, "Our meeting is important for strengthening the dialogue and relationship between India and Ukraine."
Also Read | Jaishankar on those ‘upset’ over PM Modi-Putin hug in Moscow: ‘In our part of world…'
Prior to the meeting, Zelenskyy's most popular Instagram post had garnered 780,000 likes. The new post with Modi, however, surpassed 1 million likes within a few hours, a testament to the increased engagement world leaders often experience when associated with Modi.
Modi enjoys more following than any head of government on various social media platforms.
The backdrop of the visit is deeply intertwined with the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. During their meeting, Modi reiterated India's position on the importance of sovereignty and territorial integrity, while also offering to play a mediating role to bring peace to the region.
"We say it very loudly and clearly that we support the respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity," Modi said, stressing that dialogue and diplomacy are the only ways to resolve the conflict.
Also Read | Modi, Zelenskyy visit exhibit dedicated to Ukrainian children killed in conflict
The Ukrainian President described Modi’s visit as both "friendly" and "symbolic," particularly because it occurred on the eve of Ukraine's Independence Day. The two leaders commenced their meeting by visiting a memorial dedicated to the Ukrainian children who have died in the ongoing war. The solemn moment was captured in a video shared by Zelenskyy on Telegram, showing the leaders laying teddy bears at the memorial and observing a moment of silence.
By HT News Desk
Aug 23, 2024
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Modi’s visit “friendly” and “symbolic” because Modi came the day before Ukraine’s Independence Day.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged the significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Kyiv on Friday, as he listed the agreements reached by the two countries to deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv.
“Today, history was made,” Zelenskyy posted on X. “The Prime Minister of India @narendramodi made his first visit to Ukraine since our country's independence, on the eve of our Independence Day.”
“Today, history was made,” Zelenskyy posted on X. “The Prime Minister of India @narendramodi made his first visit to Ukraine since our country's independence, on the eve of our Independence Day.”
The Ukrainian leader highlighted the signing of four bilateral agreements covering the medical field, agricultural cooperation, humanitarian relations, and culture, signalling a new chapter in Ukraine-India relations.
The visit saw the two leaders agree on a joint statement emphasising the development of a strategic partnership, bilateral trade, and continued military-technical cooperation.
“India supports Ukraine's national sovereignty and territorial integrity. And this is critical because everyone in the world must equally respect the UN Charter,” Zelenskyy added.
Zelenskyy's Instagram post with Modi
Zelenskyy also posted pictures of his meeting with PM Modi on his Instagram account, which quickly became his most popular post on the platform, garnering over 1 million likes within hours of being uploaded.
In his post, Zelenskyy said, "Our meeting is important for strengthening the dialogue and relationship between India and Ukraine."
Also Read | Jaishankar on those ‘upset’ over PM Modi-Putin hug in Moscow: ‘In our part of world…'
Prior to the meeting, Zelenskyy's most popular Instagram post had garnered 780,000 likes. The new post with Modi, however, surpassed 1 million likes within a few hours, a testament to the increased engagement world leaders often experience when associated with Modi.
Modi enjoys more following than any head of government on various social media platforms.
The backdrop of the visit is deeply intertwined with the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. During their meeting, Modi reiterated India's position on the importance of sovereignty and territorial integrity, while also offering to play a mediating role to bring peace to the region.
"We say it very loudly and clearly that we support the respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity," Modi said, stressing that dialogue and diplomacy are the only ways to resolve the conflict.
Also Read | Modi, Zelenskyy visit exhibit dedicated to Ukrainian children killed in conflict
The Ukrainian President described Modi’s visit as both "friendly" and "symbolic," particularly because it occurred on the eve of Ukraine's Independence Day. The two leaders commenced their meeting by visiting a memorial dedicated to the Ukrainian children who have died in the ongoing war. The solemn moment was captured in a video shared by Zelenskyy on Telegram, showing the leaders laying teddy bears at the memorial and observing a moment of silence.
It is a cutting-edge portable medical unit that delivers healthcare service
THE WEEK
Web Desk Updated: August 23, 2024
Web Desk Updated: August 23, 2024
Prime Minister Narendra Modi presenting four BHISHM Cubes to the Ukrainian government | X
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his Ukraine visit, made a unique gesture by gifting Ukraine four BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri) Cubes, in his bid to showcase India's willingness to provide humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
A statement by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said the Prime Minister presented four BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) Cubes to Ukraine on Friday, for which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked him'.
A post on Modi's X read: Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri (BHISHM) is a unique effort which will ensure medical facilities in a rapidly deployable manner. It consists of cubes which contain medicines and equipment for medical care. Today, presented BHISHM cubes to President @ZelenskyyUa"
The gesture, according to the Indian government, underscored India's continued commitment to provide humanitarian assistance to war-ravaged Ukraine.
But what is a BHISHM cube?
A BHISHM cube is a cutting-edge, portable medical unit designed to deliver essential healthcare services in disaster-stricken areas. This will help in speedy and effective treatment of the injured and thereby save precious lives.
Besides containing medicines and equipment for the first line of care for all kinds of injuries and medical situations, each BHISHM cube also contains equipment to handle over 10-15 surgeries every day. "The Cube can handle about 200 cases of diverse nature in emergencies such as trauma, bleeding, burns, fractures, etc," the statement added,
Each cube is 15 inches wide and weighs 20 kg. The cubes are then positioned on a framework that makes them potable by air, sea, land and drone. Another feature of the cube is that it can generate its own power and oxygen in limited amounts and duration.
According to a PIB statement, the cubes integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics to facilitate effective coordination, real-time monitoring, and efficient management of medical services in the field.
The BHISHM cubs were made under the umbrella of Project Aarogya Maitri, a programme to provide essential medical supplies to developing countries as humanitarian assistance, the government has created the BHISHM initiative, which provides the means to deliver all basic facilities and equipment for providing emergency medical care in an easy to use and rapidly deployable manner, they noted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his Ukraine visit, made a unique gesture by gifting Ukraine four BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri) Cubes, in his bid to showcase India's willingness to provide humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
A statement by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said the Prime Minister presented four BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) Cubes to Ukraine on Friday, for which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked him'.
A post on Modi's X read: Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri (BHISHM) is a unique effort which will ensure medical facilities in a rapidly deployable manner. It consists of cubes which contain medicines and equipment for medical care. Today, presented BHISHM cubes to President @ZelenskyyUa"
The gesture, according to the Indian government, underscored India's continued commitment to provide humanitarian assistance to war-ravaged Ukraine.
But what is a BHISHM cube?
A BHISHM cube is a cutting-edge, portable medical unit designed to deliver essential healthcare services in disaster-stricken areas. This will help in speedy and effective treatment of the injured and thereby save precious lives.
Besides containing medicines and equipment for the first line of care for all kinds of injuries and medical situations, each BHISHM cube also contains equipment to handle over 10-15 surgeries every day. "The Cube can handle about 200 cases of diverse nature in emergencies such as trauma, bleeding, burns, fractures, etc," the statement added,
Each cube is 15 inches wide and weighs 20 kg. The cubes are then positioned on a framework that makes them potable by air, sea, land and drone. Another feature of the cube is that it can generate its own power and oxygen in limited amounts and duration.
According to a PIB statement, the cubes integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics to facilitate effective coordination, real-time monitoring, and efficient management of medical services in the field.
The BHISHM cubs were made under the umbrella of Project Aarogya Maitri, a programme to provide essential medical supplies to developing countries as humanitarian assistance, the government has created the BHISHM initiative, which provides the means to deliver all basic facilities and equipment for providing emergency medical care in an easy to use and rapidly deployable manner, they noted.
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