The Indian prime minister has embarked on a trip to Poland and Kiev as part of New Delhi’s careful balancing act
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he will share “perspectives” on the peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict during his upcoming meeting with Vladimir Zelensky in Kiev.
On Tuesday, Modi embarked on a trip to Poland – the first visit by an Indian prime minister to the European country in 45 years – from where he will travel to Kiev by rail to hold talks with Ukrainian leader Zelensky.
The Indian prime minister is likely to spend only “a few hours” in Kiev for security reasons, Indian and Ukraine media outlets previously reported. Modi, who has kept lines of communication open with both the Russian and Ukrainian leadership, last met Zelensky on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Italy in June, days after securing a third consecutive term in office. At the time, the Indian leader encouraged a peaceful resolution of the conflict between Moscow and Kiev through dialogue and diplomacy, which has been New Delhi’s approach since the escalation of hostilities in 2022.
“As a friend and partner we hope for an early return of peace and stability in the region,” Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, noting that his trip to Ukraine is at Zelensky’s invitation. “This visit will be an opportunity to build on the earlier discussions with him and deepening the India-Ukraine friendship,” Modi added.
Citing sources familiar with the matter, Bloomberg reported last week that Modi is willing to relay communications between Kiev and Moscow, but will not try to mediate an end to the conflict.
Kiev has repeatedly sought India’s support in recent months. In March, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba paid an official visit to India to encourage New Delhi’s participation in a Swiss-hosted peace summit in June. While in India, Kuleba claimed that New Delhi’s ties with Moscow have “no future,” unlike relations between India and Ukraine. India did participate in the Swiss-hosted summit, but, like many other countries, chose not to sign the final document as the talks did not feature Russia.
New Delhi has ramped up purchase of Russian oil and coal against the backdrop of the Ukraine conflict, remaining one of Moscow’s most important partners despite pressure from the West. Modi chose Russia as the destination for his first bilateral visit in his new term as prime minister. His meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in July was strongly criticized by Zelensky, prompting New Delhi to summon the Ukrainian envoy over his remarks. While in Russia, Modi reiterated New Delhi’s call for peaceful resolution of the conflict through diplomatic means and not on the battlefield.
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