What does Indian Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Ukraine following his Moscow trip signify?

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Ukraine for the first time in over 30 years, following his recent trip to Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The visit is aimed at enhancing economic ties, defense cooperation, and collaboration in science and technology between India and Ukraine.

The timing of Modi’s visit to Ukraine comes after facing criticism for his close ties with Russia, especially following the Indian leader’s meeting with Putin, which coincided with NATO leaders gathering in Washington and Russian missile strikes on a hospital in Ukraine. Despite not directly condemning the missile strikes, Modi expressed solidarity with innocent victims of violence during his meeting with Putin.

India has refrained from taking sides in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, urging both parties to seek a peaceful resolution through dialogue. Modi’s visit to Ukraine is seen as an attempt to balance India’s foreign policy and maintain its non-aligned stance, particularly amid growing economic and defense ties with Russia.

While India has strong historical ties with Russia dating back to the Cold War era, its trade relationship with Ukraine is relatively minimal. However, India has provided humanitarian aid to Ukraine since the invasion. Analysts suggest that Modi’s visit to Ukraine will be viewed positively by Western countries critical of his previous meeting with Putin, although it may not change the perception of India’s closer ties with Moscow.

Modi’s visit to Ukraine is not expected to position India as a peacemaker in the conflict but rather as a means to secure Indian interests, push back against Russian influence, and reassure Western nations. Observers believe that while the Kremlin will monitor Modi’s visit, as long as no strong criticisms are made against Russia, it is unlikely to be significantly concerned.