Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi used a historic visit to Kyiv on Friday to reiterate his call for a peaceful end to the war between Ukraine and Russia.

Modi's visit comes at a dramatic moment in the two-and-a-half-year conflict, with a diplomatic settlement appearing more elusive than ever.

"We have stayed away from the war with great conviction. This does not mean that we were indifferent," Modi told reporters, while seated alongside Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky.

"We were not neutral from day one, we have taken a side, and we stand firmly for peace."

Modi also pledged his country to humanitarian support for Ukraine's conflict with Russia, historically a close strategic ally of India.

"Whatever help is required from a humanitarian standpoint, India will always stand with you and will go above and beyond to support you," Modi said.

Additionally, India and Ukraine inked four agreements that would provide for cooperation in areas of agriculture, food industry, medicine, culture and humanitarian assistance, officials said.

It is the first-ever visit to Ukraine by an Indian prime minister after Ukraine became independent in 1991, and his trip comes amid Kyiv's fresh military offensive in Russia's western Kursk region