PM Modi Set for Historic Visit to Kyiv: Aims to Discuss Peaceful Resolution of Ukraine Conflict with President Zelenskyy
Two days before his significant visit to Kyiv, Ukrainian capital, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his anticipation of discussing peaceful solutions to the Ukraine conflict with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Modi’s remarks were made just prior to his departure for a two-nation tour to Poland and Ukraine.
The first leg of the trip will see Modi in Warsaw, Poland’s capital, on August 21 and 22. Following that, he will spend approximately seven hours in Kyiv on August 23, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine since its independence in 1991.
In a departure statement, Modi emphasized India’s desire for the swift return of peace and stability in the region, referring to the ongoing Ukraine conflict. He noted that India, as a “friend and partner,” is committed to these goals.
Modi stated, “After Poland, I will visit Ukraine at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine.” He added that he looked forward to building on previous discussions with Zelenskyy to enhance bilateral cooperation and explore peaceful resolutions to the conflict.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that his visits to Warsaw and Kyiv would strengthen the relationship between India and these nations, laying the groundwork for even closer ties in the future.
Traveling from Poland to Kyiv, Modi will journey aboard the ‘Rail Force One’ train, a trip that will take around 10 hours each way. Several world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, have also taken the train route to Kyiv since the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Modi’s visit to Kyiv comes nearly six weeks after his high-profile trip to Moscow, which drew criticism from the US and some Western allies. India has refrained from condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and has consistently advocated for a resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. During his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Modi asserted that a resolution to the conflict could not be found on the battlefield and that peace talks would be ineffective amid ongoing violence.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described Modi’s visit to Ukraine as “landmark and historic.” Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) in the MEA, highlighted that lasting peace could only be achieved through mutually acceptable solutions and a negotiated settlement. Lal reiterated that India continues to engage with all involved parties.
Regarding his upcoming visit to Poland, Modi expressed enthusiasm about meeting Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Andrzej Duda. He emphasized the importance of Poland as a key economic partner in Central Europe, noting the 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Modi also pointed out the shared commitment to democracy and pluralism that further strengthens the bilateral relationship.
Additionally, Modi mentioned that he would meet with members of the Indian community in Poland during his visit.
(With inputs from agency)
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