Prime Minister Modi signed four agreements during his visit to Ukraine

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On August 23, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic visit to Ukraine, which was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992.

The visit was part of a larger visit by the two countries, which also included Poland, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and addressing the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Background

Prime Minister Modi's visit to Ukraine was facilitated by the special Ukrainian train 'Rail Force One', which has become the preferred mode of transport for foreign dignitaries due to the closure of Ukrainian airspace amid the war.

The Prime Minister's brief 7-hour visit to Kyiv included an important meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, where discussions focused on war and future cooperation.

4 Agreement and purpose of travel

During this visit, 4 important Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to enhance cooperation between India and Ukraine which are as follows:

Agriculture and Food Industry - With the aim of promoting cooperation in agricultural practices and food security.

Medical Product Regulation – The focus is on ensuring quality control and regulation of medical products.

Humanitarian Grant Assistance - India is committed to providing humanitarian assistance to community development projects in Ukraine.

Cultural Cooperation (2024-2028) - Promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding over the next four years.

In addition, Prime Minister Modi presented Ukraine with four Bhishma (Bharat Health Initiative for Cooperation, Cooperation) cubes, which are portable hospitals designed to treat more than 200 patients in conflict zones. Indian experts will train Ukrainian personnel on their operations.

Conclusion

Prime Minister Modi also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Kiev's Oasis of Peace Park, underlining the relevance of Gandhi's teachings in tackling today's global challenges. This visit proved to be an important milestone in the relations between India and Ukraine.

Next step

The agreements and discussions reached during this visit provide a solid foundation for continued cooperation between India and Ukraine. Going forward, the two countries are expected to pursue these initiatives, focusing on agriculture, healthcare, humanitarian aid and cultural exchange, while also taking into account the complex geopolitical landscape in the region.