Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered to help realize peace in Ukraine during talks in Kyiv with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The two leaders met on Friday in what is Modi's first visit to the country since the start of Russia's invasion.

Referring to the conflict, Modi said, "Both sides should sit together" and "find out ways to come out of this crisis."

Zelenskyy responded by saying Ukraine's priority is to end the war and achieve a just peace.

A joint statement says Modi reiterated "the need for sincere and practical engagement between all stakeholders" to restore peace.

It also says the two leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas such as the economy and defense.

Observers say Zelenskyy used the meeting to seek Modi's understanding about Ukraine's demands, including the return of occupied territories.

India took part in an international summit in June to discuss Ukraine's peace plan, but did not endorse the resulting communique.