Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a significant diplomatic mission to Kyiv, Ukraine, on Friday, where he expressed solidarity with the war-torn nation and paid homage to the innocent victims of the conflict. Accompanied by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Modi visited the Martyrologist exposition, a solemn exhibition dedicated to the memory of Ukrainian children who lost their lives in the ongoing war with Russia.
The exposition, housed within the National Museum of History, showcased the tragic consequences of the war on children, highlighting the profound impact of violence and displacement on young lives. Modi and Zelenskyy watched a film documenting the devastating toll of the war on children, and laid wreaths as a mark of respect for their memory.
The Indian Prime Minister expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the children who lost their lives, stating that “Conflict is particularly devastating for young children. My heart goes out to the families of children who lost their lives, and I pray that they find the strength to endure their grief.”
Zelenskyy echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the universal right of children to live in safety and security. He stated, “Today in Kyiv, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and I honored the memory of the children whose lives were taken by Russian aggression. Children in every country deserve to live in safety. We must make this possible.”
Modi’s visit to Kyiv carries significant weight, as it follows a visit to Moscow in June where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During his visit to Russia, a Russian missile attack on a children’s hospital in Kyiv had occurred, causing widespread outrage and condemnation.
The exhibition provided a somber reminder of the devastating impact of the war on Ukraine’s most vulnerable citizens. It stands as a poignant testament to the loss of innocence and the urgent need for peace and stability in the region. Modi’s visit and his expressions of solidarity offer hope for a future where children in Ukraine and around the world can live in safety and security.
