India Conveys Displeasure to Kyiv After Zelenskyy Criticizes Modi's Moscow Visit

India has expressed its dissatisfaction to Ukraine regarding recent comments made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Moscow, diplomatic sources revealed on Monday. India's discontent was communicated to Ukraine's mission in Delhi, though there has been no official statement on the matter.

During his visit to Moscow on July 8 and 9, Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In their summit talks, Modi emphasised that resolving the Ukraine conflict through military means is unfeasible and that peace talks cannot succeed amid ongoing violence. "A solution to the Ukraine conflict is not possible on the battlefield and peace talks do not succeed amidst bombs, guns and bullets," Modi stated.

Ukraine's Reaction

Last Tuesday, Zelenskyy criticised Modi's visit, calling it a significant disappointment and a severe setback to peace efforts. He expressed his views in a post on X, where he highlighted Russia's missile attacks on Ukraine, including a strike on a children's hospital in Kyiv. "A Russian missile struck the largest children's hospital in Ukraine, targeting young cancer patients. Many were buried under the rubble," Zelenskyy said.

Zelenskyy further remarked, "It is a huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts to see the leader of the world's largest democracy hug the world's most bloody criminal in Moscow on such a day." His comments came after Russia launched missiles across various Ukrainian cities on July 8, resulting in numerous casualties.

Modi's Response

In his televised opening remarks during the summit with Putin, Modi addressed the tragic incident at the Ohmatdyt Children's Hospital in Kyiv. He described the killing of innocent children as heart-wrenching and very painful. "Let's take war, any conflict or terrorist acts: any person who believes in humanity feels pain when people die, and especially when innocent children die. When we feel such pain, the heart simply explodes," Modi said.

The missile attack on the Ohmatdyt Children's Hospital occurred after Russia unleashed a barrage of missiles on Ukrainian cities. At least 38 people were killed in these strikes, including two individuals at the hospital.

India's disappointment over Zelenskyy's remarks was conveyed to Kyiv through diplomatic channels. New Delhi's views were shared with Ukraine's mission in Delhi, reflecting India's stance on the issue.

Modi's visit to Moscow marked his first trip to Russia since its invasion of Ukraine. The visit aimed to address various bilateral issues and discuss potential solutions for the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The diplomatic exchange between India and Ukraine highlights the complexities of international relations amidst ongoing conflicts. Both nations continue to navigate their respective positions while addressing global concerns about peace and security.