Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make a historic visit to Ukraine on August 23, 2024, meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This visit is significant as it marks the first time an Indian Prime Minister has traveled to Ukraine since diplomatic relations were established over 30 years ago. The visit comes a month and a half after Modi’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
Officials from both India and Ukraine have indicated that the visit will focus on enhancing economic ties and cooperation in defense, science, and technology. However, analysts view the timing of the visit as a strategic move by India to address its perceived alignment with Russia. Modi’s visit to Moscow in July coincided with a NATO leaders’ summit and Russian missile strikes on a Ukrainian hospital, which drew criticism from Zelenskyy. Modi’s embrace of Putin during the Moscow visit was seen as a setback for peace efforts.
India’s Foreign Secretary Tanmaya Lal has emphasized that Modi’s visit to Ukraine is part of India’s broader, non-aligned foreign policy rather than a reaction to previous visits. Despite Western pressures, India has not condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and has instead called for dialogue between the conflicting parties.
India’s relationship with Russia remains strong, rooted in Cold War-era ties, with Russia being a key trade and defense partner for India. Modi’s visit to Moscow was perceived as reinforcing this partnership, particularly given that a significant portion of India’s military equipment and oil imports come from Russia.
In contrast, India’s ties with Ukraine have been more limited, with bilateral trade amounting to approximately $3 billion before the invasion. Nonetheless, India has provided humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and Modi’s visit aims to bolster these ties.
Analysts suggest that while Modi’s visit to Ukraine is likely to be well-received by Western countries critical of his Moscow trip, it will not fundamentally alter India’s close relationship with Russia. Modi’s visit is expected to demonstrate India’s attempt to maintain a balanced foreign policy while engaging with both Russia and Ukraine. The Kremlin is anticipated to monitor the visit but is unlikely to react strongly unless Modi makes explicit criticisms of Russia.
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