Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently in Poland, is set to travel to Ukraine on August 23 using a special train rather than a flight. The decision to use Train Force One for the 20-hour journey, instead of a seven-hour flight to Kyiv, is due to the closure of all airports in Ukraine amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Train Force One, known for its luxury and world-class facilities, offers a modern interior resembling a high-end hotel on wheels. The train includes amenities such as a large table for meetings, plush seating, and a wall-mounted TV, as well as advanced security measures like armored windows, surveillance systems, and a secure communication network.
During his visit to Kyiv, PM Modi will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where discussions are expected to focus on important defense deals and perspectives on resolving the ongoing conflict. Modi’s visit is anticipated to strengthen bilateral ties between India and Ukraine.
The use of Train Force One is not unprecedented; international leaders such as US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi have also traveled to Ukraine by this train during the war.
The trip to Kyiv follows PM Modi’s recent visit to Moscow, which drew criticism from the US and its Western allies.