August 21, 2024
This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Poland in 45 years and the first-ever visit by an Indian head of government to Ukraine
The visit underscores India's strategic interest in fostering diplomatic relations with Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia
Modi will meet Polish leaders, including Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Andrzej Duda, to advance bilateral ties and engage with the Indian diaspora
India continues to maintain a balanced stance, urging an end to hostilities while refraining from publicly condemning Russia's actions in Ukraine
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced his visit to Poland and Ukraine, he emphasised the importance of discussing peaceful solutions to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, reflecting India’s desire for a swift return to peace and stability in the region.
Modi’s trip begins in Poland, marking a significant moment as it is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 45 years. Following this, he will travel by road and rail to reach Kyiv on 23rd August, making him the first Indian Prime Minister to visit an active war zone and the first to visit Ukraine since its independence in 1991.
This visit to Ukraine comes just over a month after Modi’s trip to Moscow, where he participated in the annual India-Russia Summit with President Vladimir Putin. During that meeting, Modi stressed that solutions to conflicts cannot be found on the battlefield. His subsequent visit to Ukraine is being closely monitored as it could indicate India’s next steps in facilitating a peaceful resolution to the ongoing war.
In his departure statement, Modi noted that his visit to Poland coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. He described Poland as a key economic partner in Central Europe, highlighting their shared commitment to democracy and pluralism as a cornerstone of their relationship.
During his time in Poland, Modi plans to meet with Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Andrzej Duda to further bilateral partnerships. He also intends to engage with the Indian community residing in Poland.
Modi will then travel to Ukraine at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, marking a historic moment as the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country. Modi expressed his anticipation of building on previous discussions with President Zelenskyy, aiming to strengthen bilateral cooperation and share perspectives on resolving the ongoing conflict. As a friend and partner, Modi reaffirmed India’s hope for a prompt return of peace and stability to the region.
He described his visit to Kyiv as a “natural continuation of extensive contacts” between India and Ukraine, with a vision to lay the groundwork for stronger and more dynamic relations between the two nations.
Modi and Zelenskyy have previously met during the last two G7 Summits in Japan and Italy, and they have communicated several times since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.
India has maintained a delicate balance by refraining from publicly criticising Russia’s actions while abstaining or voting against most Ukraine-related resolutions at the UN. However, India has consistently called for an end to hostilities and a return to dialogue and diplomacy to find a lasting solution.
Ukraine, on its part, has encouraged India to take a more active role in the ongoing peace efforts, given India’s close ties with Russia.
Source: Hindustan Times