Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kyiv on Friday morning, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine. The visit is of significant diplomatic importance, coming at a time when the region is embroiled in conflict.
Upon his arrival at the Hyatt Hotel in Kyiv, PM Modi was warmly greeted by the Indian community, including many students who gathered in anticipation of his visit. The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude on social media, posting on X, “Reached Kyiv earlier this morning. The Indian community accorded a very warm welcome.”
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, also took to X to announce the visit, describing it as a “landmark official visit.”
During his interactions, members of the Indian diaspora in Kyiv shared their experiences of living and studying in Ukraine, particularly during the conflict. An Indian MBBS student recounted his challenging experiences while assisting with surgeries at a Kyiv hospital during the height of the conflict. “I was here when the war started and returned after it ended. I would spend days in the hospital assisting with surgeries, mostly on soldiers from Odesa who had severe injuries,” he said.
The student highlighted the difficulties faced during that period, including frequent air alerts, food shortages, and the constant threat of attacks. “In 2022, we had daily air alerts and attacks. Staying at the hospital was the safest option due to the underground bunkers for doctors,” he noted.
Another Indian resident in Kyiv shared the fear and uncertainty caused by the ongoing conflict. “The blasts were terrifying not just because of the attacks, but because they shook you from within. We would experience multiple attacks daily, with drones and missiles exploding nearby. It was hard to sleep amid the constant fear of what might happen next.”
Abhinav Parwar, a student doctor who has been in Ukraine for six years, spoke about the shortage of medical professionals in the country. “Most students here are studying dentistry, leading to a shortage of surgeons and other medical specialists. More doctors are desperately needed,” he said.
Discussing the broader challenges faced by the community, Parwar pointed out that life in Kyiv has remained difficult since the conflict first erupted in 2014. “Despite the ongoing hardships, people here continue to live their lives with resilience. As students, we do our best to help by providing medical assistance and boosting the local economy. We also share our knowledge to help locals treat themselves when they have no access to professional care.”
PM Modi’s visit underscores India’s diplomatic outreach and support in a region grappling with long-standing challenges.