Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ukraine on August 23, marking a significant trip aimed at strengthening ties with Kyiv.
This visit comes just weeks after Modi’s visit to Moscow, where he criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin over the ongoing war with Ukraine.
India’s foreign ministry described the visit as “historic,” noting that it’s the first time an Indian prime minister will visit Ukraine since the two countries established diplomatic relations over 30 years ago.
During his visit, Modi is expected to discuss a range of issues, including economic ties, agriculture, health, and education, as well as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Modi’s trip is seen as an effort to repair relations with Ukraine after his recent Moscow visit coincided with a deadly strike on a children’s hospital in Kyiv, which embarrassed Modi and drew criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
The visit highlights India’s independent relationships with both Russia and Ukraine, as noted by Tanmaya Lal, a senior official in India’s foreign ministry.
Modi has also expressed India’s willingness to support a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing that lasting peace can only be achieved through negotiations acceptable to both sides.
This visit also follows Modi’s meeting with Zelenskiy at the Group of Seven summit in Italy, and ongoing diplomatic talks between India and Ukraine.
As India has maintained strong ties with Russia, including increased oil purchases, the trip underscores India’s delicate balancing act in its foreign policy.
Reuters reports that India’s potential role in mediating the conflict has been discussed in diplomatic circles, but New Delhi has remained cautious, focusing on peaceful resolution efforts.
https://www.reuters.com/world/india-pm-modi-visit-ukraine-foreign-ministry-says-2024-08-19