Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday (August 23) accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to visit India and said that he does plan to visit the country, while also highlighting that he will be happy to “meet together again”. He said that he will come to India “as soon as” the Prime Minister is “ready to see me”.

Speaking to the media later in the day, the Ukrainian President said, “Yes (I have plans to visit India) because when you begin a partnership, strategic partnership, and you begin some dialogue, I think that you don't need to lose time and do big pauses and that's why I think it will be good to meet together again.”

“And if our meeting will be in India, I'll be happy to. I read a lot about your big and great country. It's very interesting,” he added.The President said that he “very much” needs India on his side.“I don't think that I will have enough time but anyway, it's better to be in your country because to find the key to your country and your prime minister is to see your people. I need very much to find a key to your country because I very much need your country on our side... It's not about your historical choice. But who knows? Maybe your country can be the key to this diplomatic influence,” he said.“That's why I'll be happy to come to India as soon as your government and prime minister are ready to see me,” Zelenskyy added.