Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to travel to Ukraine in the coming weeks, marking his first visit to the country since the start of the war between Ukraine and Russia. This visit comes at a critical juncture as Ukrainian forces make significant advances into Russian territory, surprising many observers.
Modi has been vocal in calling for a ceasefire in Ukraine, although he has refrained from directly condemning Russia's military actions. India, which has abstained from UN resolutions on Ukraine, maintains close ties with Russia, relying heavily on Russian military equipment and increasing purchases of discounted Russian crude oil.
Modi's recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow drew criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who described it as a setback to peace efforts. Despite not directly addressing the ongoing conflict during the meeting, Modi emphasized the importance of seeking peaceful solutions through dialogue rather than resorting to war.
During the meeting, Modi expressed concern over the loss of innocent lives, particularly children, and stressed the need for peace for the prosperity of future generations. He acknowledged the challenges of finding solutions in the midst of armed conflict and emphasized the importance of pursuing a path to peace through diplomatic means.
Modi's upcoming visit to Ukraine underscores India's delicate balancing act between its strategic partnership with Russia and its support for peace and stability in the region. As tensions continue to escalate between Ukraine and Russia, Modi's visit will be closely watched for any potential shifts in India's stance on the conflict.
