Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who recently met with Russian President Putin, is set to visit the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv, on Friday, August 23rd to enhance relations with Kyiv and urge both Russia and Ukraine to resolve their disputes through diplomacy and dialogue.
According to local Indian media reports, Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) in the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, announced that this would be Prime Minister Modi’s first visit to Ukraine since the establishment of diplomatic relations over thirty years ago, describing the visit as a “milestone with historical significance.”
India reaffirmed its stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with Lal stating, “India is willing to provide all possible support and contributions needed to help find a peaceful resolution to this complex issue.”
Both countries will also work towards enhancing mutual cooperation in areas such as economics, commerce, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, education, pharmaceuticals, defense, and culture.
Lal emphasized that defense is a key pillar of the multifaceted relationship between India and Ukraine.
India is the world’s largest importer of equipment and weapon systems, and Modi aims to reverse this trend by promoting indigenous defense manufacturing.
According to Bloomberg, on Monday, August 19th, it was reported that the Ukrainian state-owned enterprise Zorya-Mashproekt is in negotiations with private Indian companies to jointly manufacture gas turbines for warships. The two countries are also discussing cooperation in manufacturing aircraft and aviation engines in India.
From Ukraine’s perspective, the meeting between Zelensky and Modi is significant in discussing India’s role in restoring peace in the region. Sources told Bloomberg that India plays a core role in Zelensky’s goal of gaining support from key countries in the so-called “Global South,” but Zelensky has faced challenges in this regard.
India was one of the countries that did not sign the final statement at the Ukraine Peace Summit held in Switzerland in June, dealing a blow to Ukraine’s efforts to garner broader support against Russian aggression.
During Modi’s visit to Moscow on July 8th to 9th, India and Russia sought to enhance bilateral trade and cooperation in various sectors ranging from nuclear energy to pharmaceuticals.
However, Modi’s visit coincides with an attack on a hospital in the Ukrainian capital, prompting Modi to subtly condemn Putin at their summit.
Modi told Putin that the deaths of innocent children are painful and dreadful, stressing that Moscow and Kyiv should resolve conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.
Modi’s visit also comes in the wake of the NATO Summit held in Washington on July 9th to 10th, where allies reinforced their military assistance to Ukraine.
According to Bloomberg, India relies on Russia for cheap oil and weaponry, leading New Delhi to avoid criticizing Moscow over the Russia-Ukraine conflict and increasing its purchases of Russian oil to record levels.
Reportedly, Modi’s visit to Kyiv will be brief for security reasons, lasting only a few hours. In early August, Ukraine launched its first counteroffensive into Russian territory since the invasion, marking a new phase in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Prior to his visit to Ukraine, Modi will visit Poland on August 21st and 22nd, marking his return to Poland after 45 years and celebrating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.