NEW DELHI – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to make history with his upcoming visit to Ukraine to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This visit comes just a month and a half after his high-profile meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, a move that raised eyebrows globally.
The focus of Modi’s visit to Ukraine will be on strengthening economic ties and enhancing cooperation in defense, science, and technology. However, experts believe that this visit is also an attempt to reaffirm India’s neutral stance in the midst of escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine. This is especially significant given India’s historical relationship with Russia and Modi’s recent visit to Moscow, which was met with criticism from some quarters.
Modi’s visit to Ukraine marks the first such high-level visit from an Indian Prime Minister in over three decades since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. This visit is strategically timed, following Modi’s visit to Poland, and is seen as an effort to manage the fallout from his Moscow visit.
Throughout his diplomatic engagements, Modi has been careful to maintain a balanced approach, avoiding taking sides in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and urging dialogue for resolution. His visit to Ukraine is seen as a step towards reinforcing India’s commitment to non-alignment and balancing its foreign policy priorities.
India’s longstanding relationship with Russia has been a key factor in shaping its foreign policy decisions. Despite growing ties with Russia, India has also engaged with Ukraine on various fronts, including providing humanitarian assistance following the invasion. Modi’s visit to Ukraine will highlight India’s commitment to engaging with multiple partners while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics.
The trip is expected to receive positive reception from Western countries, which have been critical of India’s close ties with Russia. While India seeks to secure its interests in Ukraine and counterbalance Russian influence, it is clear that the relationship with Moscow remains a priority for New Delhi. Modi’s visit will be closely watched to gauge India’s role in global peacemaking efforts amidst ongoing conflicts.
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