Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Ukraine has drawn global attention, particularly a warm embrace he shared with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This gesture of solidarity came just six weeks after Modi similarly embraced Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukraine’s primary adversary in the ongoing conflict.
During a press conference, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the significance of the embrace, responding to a question about its potential connection to Modi’s previous meeting with Putin. Jaishankar explained that in South Asian cultures, physical gestures of affection are common greetings, and that the embrace was a sign of respect and warmth. He highlighted that the practice might not be customary in all cultures, but it holds a significant cultural meaning in India.
The embrace has sparked discussion about India’s diplomatic stance in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Modi’s meeting with Putin in July saw him advocating for a peaceful resolution, stating that a solution cannot be achieved through warfare. He emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in finding a resolution to the conflict.
In his talks with Zelenskyy, Modi reiterated India’s stance on the need for dialogue and engagement between Ukraine and Russia. The Indian government maintains that a peaceful resolution through diplomacy is the only way to end the ongoing conflict.
Modi’s embrace of Zelenskyy, while seen by some as a gesture of support for Ukraine, also reflects India’s delicate balancing act between Russia and Ukraine. India has maintained close ties with Russia for decades, relying heavily on Moscow for defense equipment and energy supplies. However, India has also expressed concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and has called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
