Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv on Friday, August 23, for talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. This marks Modi’s first visit to Ukraine since Kyiv gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Amid the ongoing turmoil of the Ukraine conflict, with Ukrainian forces having entered the Russian-controlled Kurz Region in western Ukraine on August 6 and Russian forces making slow but steady advances in eastern Ukraine, Modi’s visit holds significant importance for Kyiv, which is actively seeking Western support to ensure a fair resolution to the war.
Before his trip, Modi expressed his anticipation, stating, “I look forward to the opportunity to exchange views on a peaceful resolution of the current conflict in Ukraine. As friends and partners, we hope for a swift return of peace and stability to the region.”
Following his visit to Moscow in July, where Modi subtly criticized Russian actions in Ukraine during discussions with President Putin, his upcoming visit to Kyiv is seen as another strategic move. Zelenskiy had sharply criticized Modi’s Moscow visit, expressing disappointment at seeing the leader of the world’s largest democracy embracing one of the world’s bloodiest offenders.
India traditionally maintains close economic and defense ties with Moscow. While Western countries have implemented sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and severed trade relationships, India has strengthened its economic connections with Moscow.
Since Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine in February 2022, Indian oil refineries, which used to rarely purchase Russian oil, have become one of Moscow’s largest customers for maritime oil shipments. Russian oil now accounts for over two-fifths of India’s oil imports.
An advisor to the Ukrainian President’s office, Mykhailo Podolyak, emphasized the significance of Modi’s visit to Kyiv, noting that New Delhi does have a certain degree of influence over Moscow. He stressed the importance of effectively building relationships with these countries and explaining what a correct end to the war entails, aligning with their interests.
Political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko of Kyiv mentioned that Modi’s visit to Poland on Thursday, August 22, is not expected to bring about groundbreaking proposals for ending the conflict. However, the visit is still crucial in showcasing India’s stance of not siding with Russia and Kyiv’s hopes for the normalization of relations post-Modi’s Moscow visit.
Richard Verma, former U.S. Ambassador to India and current Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, also highlighted the importance of Modi’s visit to Kyiv, commending Modi’s remarks on the importance of defending democracy, freedom, and the rule of law during peacetime.
Ukraine has expressed its desire to hold a second Ukraine Peace International Summit later this year to further its peace vision and plans to invite Russian representatives to participate. The first summit held in Switzerland in June did not include Russian representatives but attracted delegations from dozens of countries, including India. China did not send a representative despite actively promoting its proposed “peace alternative” behind the scenes.