Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Ukraine on Friday, marking a significant diplomatic move as he becomes one of the few global leaders to visit both Ukraine and Russia amid their ongoing conflict. Modi’s visit to Kyiv follows a trip to Russia just six weeks prior, showcasing India’s unique position of maintaining strong relationships with both nations during these tumultuous times.
Upon his arrival, Modi emphasized India’s commitment to peace and dialogue, reiterating his stance that “this is not the era of war,” a message he has consistently conveyed to world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Joe Biden, over the past two years. Modi first expressed this sentiment to Putin in 2022, and it has since become a hallmark of India’s diplomatic position on the conflict.
Government sources indicate that Modi’s visit aims to promote a “peaceful resolution of the ongoing Ukraine conflict.” In his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Modi is expected to advocate for diplomacy over military action, echoing his recent statements to Putin that “no solution can be found on the battlefield.”
This visit is particularly notable given the strained relations between Ukraine and India in recent months. Zelenskyy had sharply criticized Modi’s visit to Moscow, expressing dismay over the Indian Prime Minister’s perceived closeness to Putin. However, Modi’s arrival in Kyiv and his expected call for peaceful negotiations signal an attempt to bridge divides and facilitate dialogue between the warring nations.
India’s diplomatic balancing act comes ahead of Modi’s anticipated visit to the United States in September for the United Nations General Assembly, underscoring the strategic timing of his travels to both Russia and Ukraine. This move demonstrates India’s efforts to position itself as a mediator and a proponent of peace on the global stage.
India’s relationship with both Russia and Ukraine is rooted in longstanding partnerships, and the Indian government has emphasized that these relationships are not a “zero-sum game.” Modi’s visit to Ukraine, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over three decades, reflects India’s commitment to fostering dialogue and diplomacy amid complex geopolitical challenges.
As Modi meets with Zelenskyy in Kyiv, the world will be watching closely to see if India’s diplomatic efforts can contribute to de-escalating tensions and finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
