Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a visit to Poland and Ukraine tomorrow. He will first arrive in Poland, where he will stay on August 21 and 22. Following this, he will tour Ukraine on August 23. It is a historic visit, as no other Indian Prime Minister has visited Ukraine before. Diplomatic ties between Kyiv and New Delhi were established 30 years ago in 1994. PM Modi's visit comes at a critical time when the Ukraine-Russia conflict has intensified.
The war will mark three years on February 20. Meanwhile, Ukraine has incited Russian President Putin with an attack on Kursk, causing significant concern in Moscow. Prime Minister Modi previously visited Russia on July 8, and on the same day, Russia unleashed intense strikes on Ukraine, tragically hitting a children's hospital and resulting in the death of 39 people, including many children. President Zelenskyy expressed his disappointment, saying it was disheartening to see the leader of the world's largest democracy embrace Moscow's foremost criminal on that day.
Putin Hugged Just Days Ago
On the other hand, Prime Minister Modi had candidly raised the issue of the children's deaths with President Putin. Now, he is visiting Kyiv at the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. PM Modi will also be the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Poland in 45 years, following Morarji Desai's visit in 1979. This visit coincides with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of India-Poland diplomatic relations.
Fourth Modi-Zelenskyy Meeting
Remarkably, PM Modi will meet Zelenskyy for the fourth time on August 23. The first meeting between the two leaders occurred during COP26 in Glasgow. They met again on May 20, 2023, at the G7 Summit in Hiroshima. The third meeting took place during PM Modi's first foreign trip of his third term in office, during the G7 Summit in Italy on June 14, 2024. This will be their first official meeting, held upon Zelenskyy's invitation.
PM Modi's Ukraine visit can be understood in four points to highlight its significance and why the world is watching closely:
Why is PM Modi's Ukraine Trip Significant?
1.
Scheduled during the intensified Russia-Ukraine conflict.
2.
A visit to Ukraine follows PM Modi's recent trip to Russia.
3.
Ukraine hopes for a ceasefire.
4.
August 23 is Ukraine's Flag Day.
Global Attention on PM Modi's Ukraine Visit
Expectations are high among Indians in Ukraine that the visit could contribute to a ceasefire with Russia. PM Modi's visit is being discussed globally, not just in India. Recently, PM Modi was in Russia, making his imminent Ukraine visit a topic of international interest. Questions arise about Russia's reaction to his Ukraine trip, especially as Russia considers Ukraine a major adversary.
Notably, when PM Modi visited Russia last month, Russia attacked a Ukrainian hospital, resulting in civilian casualties, including children. Zelenskyy criticized this visit, highlighting the incongruity of embracing Moscow while Ukraine suffered under missile strikes.
Will Russia Be Upset with Ukraine Visit?
Experts believe that India's unique relationships with both Russia and Ukraine maintain their distinctiveness. PM Modi's visit should not affect India-Russia relations, as India has balanced its trade and diplomatic ties with both nations. In 2021-2022, trade between India and Ukraine was approximately $3.3 billion, while India-Russia trade was around $60 billion, with expectations to reach $100 billion by 2030.
Balancing Relations with Russia and Ukraine
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs states that India's relations with Russia and Ukraine are strong and independent. India has successfully maintained a balance, refraining from condemning Russian actions or supporting anti-Russia resolutions, yet providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
Focus on Both Russia and Ukraine
During the 2023 G-20 Summit, India invited neither Russia nor Ukraine. PM Modi's Ukraine visit exemplifies a diplomatic balance in global affairs.
PM Modi's Itinerary
Before his Ukraine visit, PM Modi will be in Poland from August 21-22, taking a train journey to Kyiv, echoing previous travels of global leaders to the war-torn country. His visit to Kyiv follows a high-profile Moscow visit earlier this summer.
Strengthening Continued Engagement
Secretary (West) Tanmay Lal noted that India holds firm ties with both Russia and Ukraine, and this historical visit furthers ongoing engagement. He emphasized that the aim is not to benefit from one party's loss but to foster stable, independent relationships. PM Modi and President Zelenskyy will engage in discussions, reflecting India's continuous advocacy for diplomacy and dialogue.
India Ready to Help
India remains prepared to support a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict and has consistently advocated for dialogue and diplomacy, echoed by PM Modi's statement that war is not the solution and solutions lie in peaceful negotiations.
This historic visit will focus on comprehensive discussions encompassing agriculture, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, health, defense, and people-to-people relations between India and Ukraine.
In a recent meeting at the G7 summit in Italy, President Zelenskyy invited PM Modi to Kyiv, reinforcing India's commitment to a human-centered approach to resolve conflicts, advocating for peace through dialogue and diplomacy.
