In a bid to bridge the growing divide between Russ ia and the West, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is considering a high-profile visit to Ukraine next month, sources revealed to The Indian Express. This development follows criticism from Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a recent expression of concern by a US official regarding Modi’s visit to Russia.
Modi’s diplomatic efforts come amid a complex geopolitical landscape. The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, now over two years old, adds to the urgency of these high-level discussions. Despite the constraints of the ongoing budget session in the Indian Parliament and the upcoming Independence Day celebrations on August 15, New Delhi is actively coordinating with Kyiv for the potential visit.
US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu recently highlighted the US government’s “disappointment” with the “symbolism and timing” of Modi’s trip to Moscow. Despite this, Modi has maintained communication with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Modi’s visit to Moscow, which included a meeting with Putin, drew significant criticism from Zelenskyy, who expressed profound disappointment over the visit, especially on a day marked by a deadly missile strike in Ukraine.
Sources indicate that both India and Ukraine are aiming to schedule the high-level visit in August, potentially around Ukraine’s national day on August 24. The visit might be brief and unannounced due to security concerns. Alternatively, if Modi cannot make the trip, senior officials such as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar or National Security Advisor Ajit Doval might stand in.
Modi’s diplomatic engagement with both sides has been consistent. He has met Zelenskyy thrice, including twice after the war began, and held several telephone conversations. India’s humanitarian assistance to Ukraine has been substantial, including multiple consignments of medical supplies and financial aid for reconstruction efforts.
Meanwhile, the broader geopolitical context remains tense. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently discussed countering external interference in Southeast Asia, a strategic move against US influence. Jaishankar has also engaged with both Lavrov and Wang during the ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting in Laos, underscoring India’s active role in regional and global diplomacy.
Through these efforts, Modi aims to navigate the delicate balance of maintaining relations with both Russia and Ukraine, reflecting India’s broader strategy of playing a constructive role in global peace and stability.
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