PM Modi to Potentially Visit Kyiv on Ukraine National Day Amid Renewed Peace Efforts
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/27th July 2024
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Kyiv around August 24, coinciding with Ukraine’s National Day. This would mark his first visit to Ukraine since the onset of the war with Russia in 2022.
According to diplomatic sources cited by PTI, during this potential visit, Modi is scheduled to meet with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky. This meeting comes amid heightened global efforts to achieve peace in the eastern European nation. Significant logistical preparations will be necessary to facilitate this high-profile visit.
Despite these reports, there has been no official confirmation from either India or Ukraine regarding Modi’s visit.
Modi and Zelensky last met on June 14 on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy. The Ministry of External Affairs described their meeting as “productive,” highlighting discussions on enhancing bilateral relations and sharing views on the Ukrainian conflict. They also talked about the Summit on Peace hosted by Switzerland. During this encounter, Modi emphasized India’s commitment to promoting a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy, reiterating that New Delhi will continue to support peaceful solutions.
This potential visit to Ukraine would follow Modi’s recent trip to Russia, where he met with President Vladimir Putin on July 8. The informal meeting included a dinner at Putin’s country home in Novo-Ogaryovo, a rare honor extended by the Russian president to select visiting leaders. Modi expressed his gratitude to Putin in a post on X (formerly Twitter), while Putin praised Modi’s efforts towards India’s progress.
Previously, Modi and Zelensky had a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of last year’s G7 Summit in Japan, reflecting the ongoing dialogue between the two leaders amid the conflict.
Modi’s visit to Ukraine, if it happens, signifies India’s active engagement in seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict. This engagement aligns with India’s broader diplomatic efforts to maintain balanced relations with both Ukraine and Russia, emphasizing dialogue and diplomacy over military confrontation.
India has consistently advocated for peace and stability in the region, leveraging its diplomatic channels to facilitate discussions aimed at conflict resolution. Modi’s potential visit to Kyiv would further underscore India’s role as a mediator and a proponent of peaceful negotiations.
As the international community continues to push for peace in Ukraine, Modi’s engagement with Zelensky could bring new momentum to these efforts. It remains to be seen how this visit will shape the ongoing diplomatic initiatives and what specific measures India might propose to help de-escalate the situation.
The possible visit also highlights India’s strategic positioning in global geopolitics, balancing its relationships with major world powers while advocating for peace and stability. As the situation in Ukraine evolves, India’s diplomatic actions, including Modi’s potential visit, will be closely watched by the international community for their impact on the broader quest for peace in the region.
