Lagatar24 Desk
Kyiv: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kyiv on Friday, marking his first visit to Ukraine and making history as the first Indian head of state to visit the country since its independence in 1991. The visit comes just six weeks after his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, underscoring the significance of this diplomatic engagement amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are expected to explore avenues for cooperation in defense, economics, business, and science and technology. This meeting holds particular importance as it highlights India’s growing role in global diplomacy, especially concerning the delicate situation in Ukraine.
Ahead of his visits to Poland and Ukraine, PM Modi articulated India’s hope for a swift return to peace and stability in Ukraine, reiterating India’s steadfast commitment as a “friend and partner” in supporting the region through its challenges. Despite India’s traditionally close ties with Russia, the country has maintained a neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict, balancing relations with both nations.
President Zelenskyy’s outreach to Prime Minister Modi signals a recognition of India’s strategic importance and its influence on the world stage. Zelenskyy aims to secure broader support and aid by engaging with Modi, thereby emphasizing Modi’s critical diplomatic role in the ongoing conflict.
During the G7 summit earlier this year, Modi and Zelenskyy held bilateral discussions where the Indian Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict through diplomatic channels. Modi emphasized India’s advocacy for dialogue and peaceful negotiations as the primary means of conflict resolution.
India’s response to the Russia-Ukraine war has been marked by careful diplomacy. In December 2022, President Zelenskyy reached out to Modi, seeking India’s assistance with a proposed “peace formula.” This request came as India continued to enhance its trade relations with Russia, emerging as a significant purchaser of Russian oil, despite Western sanctions.
Zelenskyy’s call for India’s involvement in implementing the peace plan was shared publicly via social media, where he also expressed appreciation for India’s humanitarian aid and its support at the United Nations. Modi’s engagement with Ukraine has been consistent, as demonstrated by his conversation with Zelenskyy in March 2024, where they discussed strengthening the India-Ukraine partnership across various sectors.
During their discussions on the conflict, Modi reiterated India’s commitment to a people-centric approach, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy as the most viable path forward. He also pledged continued efforts to support a peaceful and swift resolution to the conflict.
As Prime Minister Modi concludes his visit to Ukraine, the world watches closely, recognizing India’s unique position in potentially shaping the future of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
