Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Poland on August 21 and 22, followed by a visit to Ukraine on August 23, according to an announcement made by the Ministry of External Affairs on Monday.
In a press briefing, Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) at the MEA, emphasized the importance of the upcoming visit to Poland, marking the first time in 45 years that an Indian Prime Minister will visit the country. “This visit is particularly noteworthy as it coincides with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations with Poland,” Lal stated, mentioning that the visit is at the invitation of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Regarding the upcoming visit to Ukraine, Lal emphasised its historic importance, marking the first time an Indian Prime Minister will visit Ukraine in over 30 years. “Prime Minister Modi’s visit on August 23 is at the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This visit will build on recent high-level interactions between the two leaders,” Lal added.
The MEA also reiterated India’s stance on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, underscoring the need for dialogue and diplomacy. Lal noted that Prime Minister Modi had previously met with President Zelenskyy during the G7 Summit in Italy and had also held discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
Lal emphasised that India has consistently upheld the stance that the Russia-Ukraine conflict can only be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue. Achieving lasting peace necessitates solutions acceptable to both sides, making a negotiated settlement crucial.
He further added that India is committed to engaging with all stakeholders and is willing to offer any necessary support to facilitate peaceful solutions to the complex issue. However, Lal cautioned against speculating on the outcomes of the discussions between the leaders of India and Ukraine.
