President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 24 in New York to discuss strengthening cooperation between the two countries. Zelensky had arrived in New York two days earlier to attend the U.N. General Assembly’s High-Level Week. This was the second meeting between the two leaders, with their first meeting taking place in Kyiv on August 23 during Modi’s historic visit to Ukraine.
During their meeting in New York, Zelensky and Modi discussed various areas of cooperation, including trade, economy, defense, and post-war reconstruction in Ukraine. They also talked about collaborating on educational, scientific, and cultural initiatives. The two leaders also discussed strengthening cooperation on international platforms such as the U.N. and G20. They also talked about implementing Ukraine’s peace formula and preparing for the second peace summit scheduled for November.
Modi wrote on Twitter, “We are committed to implementing the outcomes of my visit to Ukraine last month to strengthen bilateral relations. Reiterated India’s support for early resolution of the conflict in Ukraine and restoration of peace and stability.” Zelensky also expressed his gratitude to Modi for India’s clear support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
This was the third meeting between Zelensky and Modi in the past year. During Modi’s visit to Ukraine in August, the two countries approved four cooperation agreements, the details of which were not disclosed. Modi’s visit to Ukraine came just weeks after his visit to Moscow, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This visit was criticized due to a hug between the two leaders, which took place just hours after Russia bombed the Okhmatdyt children’s hospital in Kyiv, resulting in casualties.
India has been a historical ally of Russia and maintains close economic and diplomatic ties with Moscow. However, India has also shown its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, especially since the conflict in 2014. In 2022, bilateral trade between India and Ukraine reached a historic high, further strengthening the relationship between the two countries.
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