Narendra Modi, India’s Prime Minister, headed to Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, on Friday, amidst heightened unrest as the country’s clash against Russia continues. This marks a pivotal moment as this is the first time an Indian premier has visited Ukraine since it secured its independence from the Soviet Union way back in 1991.
Amidst the backdrop of a precarious war situation in Ukraine, this diplomatic engagement holds utmost significance, more so for Ukraine as it has been rallying for international aid in its campaign to put an end to the ongoing conflict.
On his arrival early morning in Kyiv, the Indian PM was cordially welcomed by members of the Indian diaspora, as documented on his social media platforms. Another footage released by the local railway company captured Mr Modi alighting from a train carriage and being greeted by Ukrainian officials.
The Indian leader’s visit comes after his trip to Moscow in July. However, his visit coincided with a disturbing incident that saw a Russian missile strike against a children’s hospital in Ukraine. This event elicited a strong response from Mr Modi, who subtly criticised Mr Putin.
Nevertheless, his Moscow trip came under massive critique from Ukraine President Zelenskiy, who called the meeting with Putin a “colossal letdown” and “a cripple to peace attempts.”
An advisor in the Ukrainian presidential office, Mykhailo Podolyak, in a discussion with Reuters, mentioned Mr Modi’s Kyiv tour as impactful, since India holds considerable sway over Russia.
“Influential nations like these are vital to our cause as we strive to convince them about a rightful resolution to the war which would also work in their favour”, he added.
India, a nation known for maintaining strong defence and economic relationships with Moscow has voiced concerns over the loss of innocent lives in the conflict, despite the nation bolstering its economic relationships with Moscow in light of sanctions and severed trading relations imposed by the West. Ukraine, on the other hand, has expressed its intentions of organising another global summit later this year. The summit is aimed at promoting its peace agenda and would include delegates from Russia, as reported by Reuters.