Modi's Kiev visit: Strengthening India-Ukraine ties amid conflict
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, will embark on an official visit to Kiev on Friday to bolster bilateral relations between India and Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
This visit, the first of its kind since the onset of the war, underscores India's commitment to supporting international efforts aimed at fostering peace and stability in the region. About a month and a half ago, Modi held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss collaboration in crucial areas such as the economy, humanitarian aid, and diplomacy. The discussions are expected to address the impact of international sanctions on Russia and explore potential peaceful solutions to the conflict.
India, which has maintained a cautious stance regarding the conflict, reaffirms its intention to play a constructive role in mediating and resolving international disputes. Modi's visit comes at a pivotal moment, as Ukraine seeks to strengthen its international support to uphold its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Reactions to this visit are anticipated with keen interest, given India's global influence and the potential for this meeting to pave the way for new collaborative efforts between India and Ukraine.
India, the world's largest arms importer, has recently increased its domestic weapons production and diversified its military imports. Additionally, India has augmented its oil imports from Russia, benefiting from the lower prices offered by Moscow. Last year, Russia was the largest oil supplier to the Indian market.
The United States and its allies have frequently urged India to adopt a clearer stance on the conflict but have avoided imposing stringent sanctions or other forms of pressure. The West views India as a counterbalance to China and is reluctant to disrupt this balance. Furthermore, India is the fifth-largest economy globally and represents a significant market.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
