New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Ukraine on August 23, marking a historic moment as the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in over 30 years. This visit comes at a critical time, as Ukraine continues to grapple with its ongoing conflict with Russia.
A Landmark Visit
Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), announced the visit, emphasizing its significance. “PM Narendra Modi will undertake an official visit to Ukraine later this week on Friday, August 23, at the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This visit is historic, being the first by an Indian PM in more than 30 years since we established diplomatic relations,” Lal said.
#WATCH | Secretary West, MEA, Tanmaya Lal says, “PM Narendra Modi will undertake an official visit to Ukraine later this week on Friday, August 23, on the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This is also a landmark and a historic visit since this will be the… pic.twitter.com/xs71GtdsfT
— ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2024
India’s Diplomatic Stance
#WATCH | Secretary West, MEA, Tanmaya Lal says, “India has maintained a very clear and consistent position that diplomacy and dialogue can resolve this conflict (between Russia and Ukraine) and which can lead to enduring peace, so dialogue is absolutely essential. Lasting peace… pic.twitter.com/u7ehhzJi0b
— ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2024
India has consistently called for diplomacy and dialogue as the means to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. The MEA reaffirmed this position, stating, “India has maintained a clear and consistent stance that lasting peace can only be achieved through diplomacy and dialogue, leading to a negotiated settlement acceptable to both parties.”
Prime Minister Modi has engaged with leaders from both Russia and Ukraine, with recent visits to Russia further demonstrating India’s efforts to mediate. “India is willing to provide all possible support to help find peaceful solutions to this complex issue,” Lal added.
Navigating Complex Relations
The timing of PM Modi’s visit to Ukraine is significant, following criticism from Kyiv over his recent embrace of Russian President Vladimir Putin during a visit to Moscow. This visit to Ukraine and Poland signals PM Modi’s attempt to balance India’s longstanding ties with Moscow while also strengthening relations with Western nations.
India has avoided direct condemnation of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, opting instead to advocate for peaceful dialogue. Historical ties between India and Russia, particularly during the Cold War era when Russia was a major arms supplier to India, have shaped this nuanced stance.
Balancing Global Relations
Since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, Russia has become a crucial supplier of discounted crude oil to India, bolstering economic ties between the two nations. This economic partnership has helped India save billions while also providing economic support to Russia amid Western sanctions.
Western countries have urged India to distance itself from Russia, encouraging New Delhi to strengthen its ties with the West. India is also a member of the Quad, a strategic grouping with the United States, Japan, and Australia, aimed at countering China’s growing influence in the Asia-Pacific region.