Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Ukraine, coinciding with the ongoing war with Russia, underscored India’s commitment to strategic autonomy and its independent stance on the conflict. Modi’s actions, including paying respects to Ukrainian children killed by Russia and providing humanitarian aid, demonstrated India’s willingness to engage with Ukraine directly, despite its historic relationship with Russia. The visit also highlighted India’s growing engagement with Eastern Europe and its rejection of Russia’s justification for the war.