Modi Begins His Visit to Poland and Ukraine

Modi Begins His Visit to Poland and Ukraine

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday embarked on a historic visit to Poland and Ukraine, where he has vowed to advocate for a peaceful resolution to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Modi is the first Indian prime minister to visit Ukraine and the first in 45 years to visit Poland, a key ally of Kyiv and a crucial transit point for foreign leaders heading to the war-torn country. 

During his trip, he is scheduled to meet with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Andrzej Duda, as well as Indian nationals living in Poland. "This visit will strengthen the bond between India and Poland and bring benefits to our nations," Modi said on X after arriving in Warsaw. He plans to honor an Indian maharaja who sheltered Polish children during World War II, lay a wreath at a war memorial, and address the Indian community in Poland. 

Deputy Polish Prime Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized the importance of a lasting partnership with India, noting that economic ties will also be discussed during Modi's visit.

Modi has carefully balanced India’s traditional close relations with Russia while also building stronger security ties with Western nations to counter China's regional influence. His government has refrained from directly condemning Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, instead urging both sides to engage in dialogue.

"As a friend and partner, we hope for a swift return to peace and stability in the region," Modi said in a statement released before his departure for Poland. In Kyiv, Modi is expected to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss peaceful solutions to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. "India has consistently supported diplomacy and dialogue to achieve a negotiated settlement," stated Indian foreign ministry official Tanmaya Lal ahead of the visit.

Zelensky announced that "several agreements are expected to be signed" during his meeting with Modi. Previously, Modi's diplomatic efforts have faced criticism from Kyiv, particularly after his visit to Moscow in July, where he was seen embracing Putin shortly after Russia launched attacks on multiple Ukrainian cities. India has generally avoided condemning Russia and has abstained from voting on UN resolutions against the Kremlin.

However, the conflict has also impacted India, with New Delhi urging Moscow to repatriate Indian citizens who were recruited for "support roles" but ended up on the frontlines in Ukraine. At least five Indian soldiers have lost their lives in the conflict.