New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended an invitation to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to visit India, Ukraine’s Ambassador Oleksandr Polishchuk confirmed on Saturday. While the date of the visit is yet to be finalised, both sides are actively working on scheduling it.

Speaking on the occasion of Ukraine’s National Flag Day in New Delhi, Ambassador Polishchuk called the upcoming visit a “great achievement” in strengthening bilateral ties. He said, “The Indian Prime Minister invited Zelenskyy to come to India. Both sides are working on this. We expect President Zelenskyy to be in India, definitely. We are trying to agree on a precise date.”

India’s Role in Peace Efforts

The envoy praised India’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, saying New Delhi is “not neutral” but firmly aligned with peace and diplomacy. He highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s repeated calls for dialogue, noting that Kyiv sees India as a crucial player because of its long-standing ties with Moscow.

“We are grateful that from the very first day of the Russian invasion, India clearly indicated its position. India supports peace, dialogue, and political interaction with all partners, including the Russian Federation, with the aim to achieve peace in Ukraine,” Polishchuk said.

The envoy also urged India to take a more active role in facilitating peace talks, emphasizing that Ukraine views New Delhi as an important bridge in global negotiations.

Growing Engagement Between India and Ukraine

Relations between India and Ukraine have grown steadily since 2023, with regular high-level dialogues. Just last week, President Zelenskyy sent greetings to PM Modi and the people of India on the country’s 79th Independence Day, expressing hope that India would play a bigger role in global peace efforts. Modi responded warmly, thanking Zelenskyy for his wishes.

On Saturday, the Ukrainian Embassy in New Delhi marked National Flag Day with a flag-hoisting ceremony and cultural program, where participants dressed in traditional white attire raised the blue-and-yellow flag and sang the national anthem.

The invitation comes as the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues into its fourth year, underscoring the urgency of fresh diplomatic efforts to end the war.

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