2024-08-21 19:52:38
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ukraine has become a topic of discussion all over the world. China is especially taking special interest in it. There is a debate going on in China about how India is handling its position between America and Russia. Some people believe that Western countries are being a little soft towards India, while some are praising Modi’s ability to maintain balance. This debate has become even more intense after Modi’s visit to Ukraine and the visit to Russia before that.
Ukraine is very special for PM Modi
Modi’s visit to Poland and Ukraine is considered very special. This is the first time in the last 45 years that an Indian Prime Minister has visited Poland. This shows that India’s relations with Europe are getting stronger. India wants to improve its relations in this region and increase its influence. Apart from this, this will be the first time since diplomatic relations were established between India and Ukraine in 1993 that an Indian Prime Minister will visit Ukraine. This is another indication that amid the current conflict, India is carefully working on a strategy to balance its relations with Russia and Ukraine.
The significance of Modi’s visit
PM Modi’s visit shows that India wants a diplomatic solution in times of conflict. Apart from this, this visit also presents India as a potential mediator. Modi was the only leader in the world who condemned Russia’s attack on a hospital in front of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said that the death of people is painful, especially when children are killed. After this, he is now going to visit Ukraine.
“This is not the era of war”
Modi has said in many of his speeches that this is not an era of war. The PM reiterated the same during the G20 as well. This proves India’s mantra of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. On the other hand, China, which mediated the peace agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, presents itself as a global peace envoy. This is why China is closely watching Modi’s visit and his possible role as a mediator in the conflict. China has a mixed reaction to PM Modi’s visit to Ukraine. Many experts agree that lasting peace in the region will depend on direct talks between Russia and Ukraine. They believe that Modi’s visit is part of India’s broader effort to facilitate this process.
Three big reasons for Modi’s visit to Ukraine
A report in The Print gives three main reasons for Modi’s visit to Ukraine. The first suggests that Modi’s visit is motivated by diplomacy, as while Russia provides India with valuable resources and technology, the West offers markets and investment opportunities. Thus, Modi’s visit can be seen as part of a strategic effort to balance these interests.
Second, by engaging directly with Ukraine and trying to mediate the conflict, Modi aims to bolster his image as a major global leader and enhance India’s stature on the global stage.
Third, the visit is seen through the prism of competition with China. It has been emphasised that India’s desire to match China’s diplomatic moves is evident, especially after Beijing’s recent invitation to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. Modi’s visit, announced soon after Kuleba’s departure from China on July 26, is strategically designed to take advantage of this competitive dynamic.
Talks have taken place with the Ukrainian President earlier too
Apart from all this, there is also a different view that Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have talked earlier for peace efforts. Ukraine is actively seeking support from the countries of the so-called Global South, including India. Despite these efforts, India, along with several other countries, could not sign a joint statement at the Ukraine Peace Summit in Switzerland in June, which reflects different strategic interests. Experts believe that Ukraine also sees India from a business point of view. There have been many types of imports and exports between the two countries. Apart from this, discussions are also going on about the production of aircraft and aircraft engines in India.