During his historic visit to Kyiv on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended an invitation to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to visit India. Zelenskyy responded positively, expressing eagerness to travel to India, describing it as a "great" country.

This visit marked the first time an Indian Prime Minister has traveled to Ukraine since its independence over three decades ago. Following their discussions, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed that PM Modi had invited Zelenskyy to India, highlighting the significance of the Indian leader’s visit and the invitation extended.

Jaishankar noted, "It's significant that our Prime Minister has visited Ukraine for the first time since 1992. It is natural to extend an invitation on such occasions, which the Prime Minister did, and we expect President Zelenskyy to visit India at a mutually convenient time."

In response to the invitation, Zelenskyy expressed his enthusiasm about the prospect of visiting India. He emphasized the importance of continuing dialogue and collaboration between the two nations. "I have read a lot about your great country, and I very much need your support. I would be happy to come to India as soon as the government and Prime Minister are ready to receive me," he said, though he acknowledged that the timing of the visit would depend on the situation in Ukraine.

During the talks, the issue of India's energy trade with Russia was also addressed. Jaishankar explained that while the discussion was not extensive, it included an overview of the current energy market, particularly the impact of sanctions on energy producers and the importance of maintaining stable oil prices for the global economy.

India has become a significant buyer of Russian crude oil, with imports totaling USD 2.8 billion in July alone. This surge in imports, which account for nearly 40 percent of India's total oil purchases, follows a shift in European purchasing patterns due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.