PM Modi Makes Historic First Visit to Ukraine Amidst Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on his first visit to Ukraine on Thursday, marking a historic moment as the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the country since the establishment of diplomatic ties. The visit comes amidst ongoing criticism from the West over India’s close relationship with Russia, despite Moscow facing international sanctions for its invasion of Ukraine.

Before his departure, PM Modi expressed India’s hope for an early return to peace and stability in Ukraine, emphasizing India’s role as a “friend and partner.” During his engagements in Kyiv, the Prime Minister is expected to discuss various aspects of bilateral relations, including trade, investment, education, cultural exchanges, and humanitarian assistance.

The visit follows PM Modi’s recent trip to Moscow, where he held extensive talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the Ukraine conflict. This visit was met with criticism from the West, as well as from Ukraine, which expressed displeasure over Modi’s meeting with Putin on the same day a Russian strike hit a children’s hospital in Kyiv.

Despite these tensions, India has maintained a neutral stance on the Ukraine war, balancing its historical ties with Russia while also providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Modi’s visit to Kyiv is seen as an effort to reassure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of India’s willingness to support a peaceful resolution to the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. PM Modi’s visit is expected to last around seven hours, during which he will hold both one-on-one and delegation-level talks with President Zelenskyy.