As the Russia-Ukraine war continues, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Kyiv at the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This visit follows Modi’s recent trip to Russia, where he met with President Vladimir Putin. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that Modi will also be visiting Poland before heading to Ukraine.
The visit to Poland, scheduled for August 21-22, marks a significant occasion as it will be the first time an Indian PM has visited the country in 45 years, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Poland. Following this, Modi will undertake a historic visit to Ukraine on August 23, making him the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Ukraine in over 30 years.
Notably, Modi’s journey from Poland to Kyiv will be made aboard the “Rail Force One,” the same train used by US President Joe Biden during his surprise visit to Kyiv in February 2023. This diesel-powered train, operated by Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukrainian Railways), features wood-paneled cabins equipped for executive-level work and has been a preferred mode of transport for several world leaders visiting Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.
The train journey, spanning 20 hours from Poland to Ukraine, underscores the logistical challenges posed by the war. With Ukraine’s airspace closed and many roads inaccessible due to heavy fighting, the railway has emerged as the safest and most reliable means of transportation for diplomatic missions. Despite its relative safety, the journey is not without risks, as Russian missile strikes have targeted railway infrastructure.
The “Rail Force One” has become a symbol of Ukraine’s resilience, with its vast rail network playing a crucial role in the country’s wartime logistics, including the evacuation of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid. The train’s use by high-profile figures highlights the ongoing “iron diplomacy” that has seen over 200 foreign diplomatic missions arrive in Ukraine by rail since the war began.
