Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will soon visit Ukraine – this information was confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of India. This will be Modi’s first trip to Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022. Indian media suggest that the visit may take place this month, however, details of the trip will be published later.
Visit context: a month after meeting with Putin
This trip is attracting special attention as it takes place just a month after Narendra Modi’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. After the start of the war, India maintained a neutral position on the conflict, calling for the situation to be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue. At the same time, India continues to trade with Russia despite Western sanctions, making its position in this conflict particularly important.
Western pressure and strategic balance
Western countries, especially the US, express concern about India’s close ties with Russia. This is particularly relevant as Washington seeks to strengthen ties with New Delhi, seeing India as a potential partner in countering China’s growing influence. Modi aims to maintain a balance between deepening relations with the West and maintaining longstanding ties with Russia.
India caught between two fires: West and Russia
India shoulders the heavy burden of diplomatic balance. On one hand, it has longstanding ties with Russia based on years of military and economic cooperation. On the other hand, India cannot ignore the importance of Western partners, especially in light of current economic developments and strategic challenges posed by China.
India and China: friendship or rivalry?
India also aims to avoid excessive dependence on Russia by developing closer relations with China. Although both countries are part of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS, historical disputes and mountainous conflicts on the border between India and China create additional tension. Modi’s visit to Ukraine could send a signal to China that India is ready to act independently on the international stage, regardless of Beijing’s policy.
Possible Consequences of the Visit
Narendra Modi’s visit to Ukraine could have important implications for international politics.
- Firstly, it could strengthen India’s position as an independent player on the international stage.
- Secondly, it could be a significant signal to Russia that even its closest partners are not willing to support it unquestionably.
- And finally, it could affect India’s relations with other BRICS countries, especially with China, which closely monitors every move of New Delhi.
Therefore, Narendra Modi’s visit to Ukraine is not only an important diplomatic step but also an opportunity for India to demonstrate its independence and readiness to actively participate in resolving global conflicts. How this visit will impact relations between India, Russia, and the West will be shown with time. But it is already clear that this step will be an important milestone in the development of international politics.
