Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on official visits to Poland and Ukraine starting Wednesday. These visits are significant, marking the first time in 45 years that an Indian Prime Minister has visited Poland, and the first time an Indian leader has visited Ukraine since the country was attacked by Russian forces in 2022.
Diplomatic Engagements in Poland
PM Modi’s visit to Poland is particularly notable as it coincides with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Poland. The visit is also the first by an Indian Prime Minister since Morarji Desai’s visit 45 years ago.
During his stay in Poland, PM Modi will meet with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Andrzej Duda. He will also engage with the Indian community in Poland, which numbers around 25,000, including 5,000 students. The visit is expected to strengthen bilateral ties, especially in light of Poland’s support during ‘Operation Ganga,’ which facilitated the evacuation of Indian students from Ukraine in 2022.
PM Modi will also interact with Polish business leaders and ecologists, highlighting India’s interest in enhancing economic and environmental cooperation with Poland.
A Historic Visit to Ukraine
After Poland, PM Modi will travel to Ukraine, a country that has been in turmoil since the Russian invasion in 2022. His visit to Kyiv, traveling on a train known as Rail Force One, marks a historic moment as it is the first time an Indian Prime Minister will visit Ukraine since diplomatic relations were established 30 years ago.
In Kyiv, PM Modi will hold discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The talks are expected to cover a wide range of topics, including agriculture, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, health, education, and defense. Importantly, they will also focus on finding a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict and exploring India’s role in Ukraine’s reconstruction.
During the G7 summit in June this year, PM Modi met with President Zelensky and emphasized India’s commitment to promoting peace through dialogue and diplomacy. His visit to Ukraine underscores this commitment and reflects India’s willingness to support both conflict resolution and recovery efforts.
India’s Role in Peace and Reconstruction
The Ministry of External Affairs has indicated that India is ready to contribute to Ukraine’s recovery process, in addition to supporting peaceful conflict resolution. PM Modi’s recent meetings with both Ukrainian and Russian leaders demonstrate India’s balanced approach to the conflict, advocating for dialogue over military action.
PM Modi’s visit to Ukraine comes just weeks after his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, where he urged a return to diplomacy as the only viable solution to the ongoing conflict. This visit to Ukraine further solidifies India’s role as a mediator and supporter of peace in the region.
As PM Modi embarks on these significant visits, the world will be watching closely to see how India navigates its diplomatic relationships with Poland, Ukraine, and the broader European region during these turbulent times.
