Indian Prime Minister Modi meets Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Kyiv

Narendra Modi shakes hands with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv (Efrem Lukatsky/AP)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a brief visit that many in Ukraine hope will pave the way for an Indian role in peace mediation.

Officials in India and Ukraine said the visit was focused on boosting economic ties and co-operation in defence, science and technology, but analysts said it could also be an attempt by Mr Modi to strike a more neutral stance after what has been seen as a lean towards Russia.