Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian leader to visit Ukraine on Friday, in a historic move that the White House has called potentially helpful in bringing an end to the conflict with Russia.

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, where the two leaders visited a memorial dedicated to the hundreds of Ukrainian children killed in the over two years of war. In a poignant moment, they laid teddy bears at the memorial at the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II and observed a moment of silence.

Reflecting on the suffering caused by the conflict, Prime Minister Modi wrote on social media platform X, “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.”

The visit comes as tensions remain high, with Kyiv’s forces launching a major incursion into Russia’s Kursk region and Moscow’s army advancing in eastern Ukraine. Amidst these developments, Modi emphasized India’s stance on the conflict, stating, “We were not neutral from day one, we have taken a side, and we stand firmly for peace.” He reiterated that “no problem should be solved on the battlefield.”

The White House welcomed Modi’s visit, suggesting it could be beneficial if it aligns with Ukrainian President Zelensky’s vision for a just peace. “If it can get us to an end to the conflict that comports with President Zelensky’s vision for a just peace… well then, we think that would be helpful,” said National Security Council spokesman John Kirby.

After nearly three hours of private discussions, Prime Minister Modi and President Zelensky signed several cooperation agreements, focusing on agriculture, medicine, and culture. In a joint statement, both leaders emphasized the importance of closer dialogue to “ensure a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace.”