Narendra Modi's Kyiv trip: Issues of war and peace to disscuss
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India (Getty Images)
The expert Roman Bezsmertnyi, in a comment to RBC-Ukraine, shared that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Kyiv with several key questions on the agenda. These are expected to address primarily India's national security concerns and bilateral relations. He will discuss issues of war and peace with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Bezsmertnyi commented on Bloomberg's report that India had reportedly agreed to facilitate communication between Zelenskyy and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
"We need to explain to Bloomberg that postal workers like Modi... are not suited for such roles. It's like in Dumas: it's too little for a count and too much for just a knight," Bezsmertnyi says.
He emphasized that Modi is undoubtedly very influential, especially given his close relations with Washington.
"I should also mention that if Harris wins the US elections, being a descendant of Tamil Brahmins, whose family lived in India... This Brahmin lineage, an elite caste, has opened a different level of communication with Modi," Bezsmertnyi notes.
According to the expert, Modi is a leader in the number of speeches delivered at the US Congress and is a respected figure there, which benefits Americans, Indians, and Ukrainians. However, Bezsmertnyi noted that India needs time to shift away from Russia, as its defense industry was 80% dependent on Russia just a few years ago.
"This is why Modi is visiting Kyiv, as he has significant proposals and interests. Moreover, the last contract between the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic and India was for supplying AN-32 aircraft, with a hundred aircraft delivered. We later had some issues in bilateral relations," the expert recalls.
Bezsmertnyi believes that today, New Delhi and Kyiv have the opportunity to become partners.
"India understands that China's rise is a problem for it. Delhi and Kyiv both have serious proposals regarding each other, and it is time to take action. It's absurd that the trade turnover between India and Ukraine is only $1.5 billion," Bezsmertnyi concludes.
Modi's visit to Kyiv
It is worth noting that the Office of the President of Ukraine has officially confirmed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ukraine on August 23, ahead of Independence Day.
This will be the first visit of an Indian government head to Ukraine in the history of bilateral relations.
During his visit, Modi will meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss bilateral and multilateral cooperation. It is also expected that several documents will be signed between Ukraine and India.
Additionally, Bloomberg had reported, citing sources, that Modi had ruled out any role as a mediator in ending the war with Russia, although India agreed to relay messages between Zelenskyy and Putin.
According to Reuters, the Indian PM will "share perspectives" on a peaceful resolution to the conflict during his visit to Kyiv.
