Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make a historic visit to Ukraine this Friday, at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This will be the first time an Indian head of state has visited Ukraine since the country gained independence in 1991. The visit signifies a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations, particularly in the wake of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
The visit is expected to focus on several key areas of cooperation, including defense, economic and business relations, and science and technology. Both leaders will sign multiple agreements aimed at furthering these collaborations. The visit also holds significance in the context of advocating for peace in the region, amidst the devastating conflict.
Modi’s trip to Ukraine follows a visit to Moscow in July, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This visit sparked criticism from Zelenskyy, who questioned India’s neutrality given that the meeting took place on the same day Russian missiles targeted Ukraine, resulting in significant casualties. Despite this criticism, India has maintained a neutral stance throughout the conflict, advocating for a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.
India’s position has been characterized by a ‘multi-alignment’ approach to its foreign policy, prioritizing all-vector hedging in its geopolitics. This approach has been evident in India’s non-condemnation of Russia’s actions, coupled with increased imports of Russian oil and a strong emphasis on resolving the conflict through diplomatic means. India’s focus on economic ties with Ukraine is also noteworthy, as the two countries share strong trade relations, with Ukraine ranking among India’s top 50 trade partners.
The visit comes at a crucial time, as India seeks to bolster its relations with Europe. India’s government has recently revived trade negotiations with the European Union (EU) and concluded a trade and investment agreement with the EFTA group, signifying a renewed focus on strengthening economic ties with the region. This emphasis on multi-alignment, combined with India’s efforts to engage with both Russia and Ukraine, reflects a strategic balancing act aimed at promoting its own national interests while contributing to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
The visit also provides an opportunity for India to play a more active role in the post-war reconstruction efforts in Ukraine. As the country seeks to rebuild and recover, India’s expertise in infrastructure development and its commitment to humanitarian assistance could play a significant role in supporting Ukraine’s recovery.
Overall, Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Ukraine is a significant event that highlights India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting peace in the region. It signifies India’s evolving approach to foreign policy, characterized by a multi-alignment strategy and a commitment to diplomatic solutions in a complex geopolitical landscape.
