Indian PM calls for peace and diplomacy before visit to Ukraine
Photo: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (GettyImages)
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is set to visit Ukraine on Friday, stated that he supports peace in the region. The politician also reiterated his call for diplomacy to end the conflict, according to Bloomberg.
In his speech in Warsaw, Modi stated that "this is not the era of war." According to him, India is an "advocate of permanent peace in this region" and believes in dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts.
Modi agreed to "relay messages" between Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, though he will not act as a formal mediator.
The agency explains that this policy reflects New Delhi's "delicate" position, given the close political and economic ties with Russia, which supplies India with cheap oil and weapons.
It is noted that no Indian prime minister has visited Poland and Ukraine since these countries became independent from the Soviet Union. Thus, Modi is attempting to expand India’s influence in Central Europe, a region of the lowest priority for New Delhi in recent decades.
Modi's visit to Kyiv
The Office of the President of Ukraine officially confirmed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ukraine on August 23, the country's Independence Day.
This will be the first visit by an Indian head of government to Ukraine in the history of bilateral relations.
It should be added that Bloomberg, citing sources, previously reported that Modi had ruled out the role of mediator in ending Russia’s war in Ukraine. However, India agreed to convey messages between Zelenskyy and Putin.
Previously, RBC-Ukraine reported that the Indian Prime Minister travels to Kyiv with several clearly defined issues. These may primarily concern India’s national security problems and bilateral relations. He will discuss matters of war and peace with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
