The purpose of PM Modi’s travel to Ukrain
It is scheduled for August 23 for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Ukrainee… The prime minister of India will be visiting the war-torn country for the first time ever during this tour. Under the current confrontation between Ukraine and Russia, India’s commitment to diplomatic engagement is demonstrated by this historic trip, which was undertaken at the president of Ukraine’s invitation.
After the two countries’ diplomatic relations were established over thirty years ago, this is the first time an Indian prime minister has traveled to Ukraine. The historic and noteworthy visit emphasizes how the two countries’ relations are growing.
India has always insisted that negotiations and diplomacy are the best ways to end the crisis between Russia and Ukraine. India is resolute in its pursuit of peaceful resolutions, constructive dialogue with all stakeholders, and solutions that satisfy them all, as demonstrated by Modi’s visit.
The importance of India’s “substantive and independent” ties to Russia and Ukraine has been highlighted. There is no perception of these partnerships as a “zero-sum game” or as mutually exclusive. India’s measured approach and autonomous diplomatic posture are emphasized by Modi’s travel to Ukraine after his visit to Russia.
India has sent 16 packages and 135 tons of supplies, including medical equipment, power generators, and medications, to Ukraine since the conflict began. This is a huge humanitarian aid donation. The humanitarian aid and support that India provides to Ukraine might be strengthened by Modi’s visit.
In the course of their visit, President Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Modi will talk about a number of topics pertaining to both bilateral and international collaboration. Many agreements that are likely to be signed as a result of the talks should strengthen the relationship between the two countries. A symbolic significance is added to the visit by the fact that it falls on August 23, Ukraine’s National Flag Day.
India’s premier pays Ukraine its first visit in decades.
Modi’s travel
To his part, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine called Modi’s trip to Russia a “disappointment.”
“It is a huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts to see the leader of the world’s largest democracy hug the world’s most bloody criminal in Moscow on such a day,” Zelenskyy tweeted.
Modi is scheduled to visit Ukraine for the first time since the conflict started in February 2022, marking the first visit to the country by an Indian leader in almost thirty years.
At a media event on Monday, Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), stated to reporters that “India has substantive and independent ties with both Russia and Ukraine and these partnerships stand on their own.”
India wants peace talks
According to experts, New Delhi would have an opportunity to press for peace talks during this visit, which serves as a balancing tool for India.
But striking a tough balance is what Indian diplomacy must do.
“Ukraine has maintained cordial ties with India and Russia is a long-standing, established ally.” Rajiv Bhatia, a former Indian ambassador and distinguished fellow at the Gateway House think tank, told DW that managing this is a challenging affair, particularly given that the West has provided Ukraine with significant assistance, with which India also enjoys cordial relations.
He stated that New Delhi was not worried that the Kyiv visit may endanger India’s relations with Moscow and that the country “wants to expand, consolidate and maintain its ties with Russia.”
What will Modi do in Kyiv?
Modi’s travel
An assistant professor of international relations at Ashoka University named Amit Julka told DW that India “will try to project itself as a peacemaker and engage in humanitarian assistance.”
There are suspicions notwithstanding India’s proximity to the United States. In terms of appearances, the visit to Ukraine will also act as damage management. Despite having strong ties to Russia, India is keen to maintain good relations with the West, according to Julka.
According to India’s Foreign Ministry, India was prepared to assist in the negotiation of a peace settlement but would not present a peace plan in Kiev.