Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a significant two-nation European tour on Wednesday, starting in Poland, where he emphasized India’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine. This visit marks Modi as the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Poland in nearly 45 years, following Morarji Desai’s visit in 1979.
Upon his arrival in Warsaw, Modi paid tribute at several memorials, including the Jam Saheb of Nawanagar Memorial, honoring the Polish women and children sheltered by Indian princely states during World War II. His visit to Poland highlights the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations and focuses on strengthening economic and defence cooperation.
Modi’s tour is set to make history again as he becomes the first Indian head of government to visit Ukraine since its independence in 1991. The visit to Kyiv, scheduled for August 23, will involve extensive discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on bilateral cooperation and the ongoing conflict. There is speculation that Modi may carry a message from Russian President Vladimir Putin to Zelenskyy, given India’s ongoing diplomatic engagements with both nations.
India has maintained a neutral stance in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, abstaining from most Ukraine-related resolutions at the UN, while advocating for an end to hostilities and a return to diplomacy. Modi’s upcoming discussions with Zelenskyy will be closely watched for any potential steps India might take to facilitate a peaceful resolution.
The visit to Poland and Ukraine underscores India’s growing role in international diplomacy and its efforts to balance relationships with key global powers amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
