Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ukraine to hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky has sparked interest and speculation in the international community. This visit comes just weeks after Modi’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, which drew sharp reactions from Kyiv and Western capitals.
The significance of Modi’s visit to Ukraine lies in India’s delicate balancing act between its relations with Russia and the West. While India has historically maintained a non-aligned approach to geopolitics, recent events have put pressure on Modi to navigate these relationships carefully.
Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Centre, believes that Modi’s trip to Ukraine is a strategic move to assert India’s autonomy and advance its interests. Despite criticism from the US and other Western powers for not taking a clearer stand on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India remains committed to diplomacy and dialogue to end the war.
The timing of Modi’s visit reflects India’s awareness of Western reactions to his Moscow trip and the need to engage with all sides. The visit also signals India’s growing engagement with Europe, particularly with Central and Eastern European nations, as part of its broader foreign policy goals.
While the focus of the visit will undoubtedly be on the war in Ukraine, Indian diplomats are keen on strengthening ties with Central European states and expanding trade and investment opportunities in the region. Modi’s visit to Ukraine and Poland underscores India’s recognition of the changing dynamics in Europe and its efforts to deepen bilateral relations with key partners.
Overall, Modi’s visit to Ukraine is not just about placating Western powers or appeasing critics but about advancing India’s strategic interests and expanding its diplomatic footprint in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
