Narendra Modi reiterated his stand for peace during his visit to Kiev

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his historic visit to Kiev to reaffirm his call for an end to the war between Ukraine and Russia, AFP reported.

Modi's visit comes at a dramatic time in the 2.5-year conflict, with a diplomatic settlement looking more elusive than ever.

"With great conviction we stayed out of the war. This does not mean that we are indifferent. We have not been neutral since day one, we have taken sides and stand firmly for peace," the Indian prime minister said as he stood next to Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky.

Modi has promised that his country will provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine in conflict with Russia, which has historically been India's close strategic ally.

"Whatever humanitarian aid is needed, India will always stand by you and do everything to help you," he said.

Modi began his tour of Kiev by accompanying Zelensky to an exhibition commemorating children who died during the war.

"I realized that the first victim of war is actually the innocent children. And it's really heartbreaking," the Indian leader pointed out. | BGNES