Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Ukraine next month, marking his first trip to the country since the onset of the conflict with Russia. The visit is likely to occur during the third week of August, potentially on August 23.
India, known for its longstanding friendly relations with Russia and good ties with Ukraine, might propose mediation in resolving the Ukrainian crisis. This proposition underscores India’s established policy of facilitating conflict resolution through dialogue and diplomacy, contingent upon the consent of both involved parties.
Modi’s potential role as a mediator is bolstered by his amicable relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the trust both Ukraine and Russia place in India. However, this diplomatic effort comes amid a complex geopolitical backdrop. Western nations have imposed sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, while “friendly” countries like India and China have maintained trade relations with Moscow.
During a recent meeting with Putin in Moscow, Modi expressed his horror at a Russian missile attack on a hospital in Kyiv, which resulted in 41 deaths, including children. This event drew sharp criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who described Modi’s visit to Russia on such a day as a “huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts.”
Despite the controversy, India’s stance has consistently been to avoid direct blame on Russia, instead urging both nations to resolve their conflict through diplomatic means. The United States has expressed concern over India’s ties with Russia, especially as it seeks to strengthen its strategic relationship with India to counterbalance China’s rising influence.
While the exact date of Modi’s visit to Ukraine has not been confirmed, the diplomatic significance of this trip remains substantial as New Delhi navigates its relationships with both Eastern and Western powers.
