Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for a landmark visit to Ukraine on Thursday, following a successful two-day trip to Poland, where he engaged in extensive discussions with the Polish leadership.
“PM @narendramodi concludes a productive visit to Poland, setting a new milestone in bilateral relations. This high-level Prime Ministerial visit after four decades will widen and deepen India-Poland relations,” Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X.
Modi’s visit to Ukraine comes at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and the Indian leader has expressed his intent to discuss pathways for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
This visit to Kyiv takes place nearly six weeks after Modi’s high-profile trip to Moscow, which drew criticism from the US and some of its Western allies.
This marks the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Ukraine since the country gained independence in 1991.
“I look forward to the opportunity to build upon earlier conversations with President Zelenskyy on strengthening bilateral cooperation and share perspectives on peaceful resolution of the ongoing Ukraine conflict,” Modi has said. “As a friend and partner, we hope for an early return of peace and stability in the region.” The prime minister will travel to Kyiv from Poland in a ‘Rail Force One’ train that will take around 10 hours. The return trip will also be of the same duration.
India has yet to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine, consistently advocating for the resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
Before departing Warsaw, Modi described his visit to Poland as “special.”
“It is after decades that an Indian PM set foot on Polish soil,” Modi said in a post on X at the end of his visit to Warsaw.
Modi arrived in Poland on Wednesday, marking the first leg of his two-nation tour, which will also take him to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. This visit to Poland is the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 45 years.
“This visit gave an opportunity to deepen cooperation with a valued friend. We look forward to closer business and cultural connect with Poland. Our friendship can certainly contribute to a better planet. I thank the Polish people and Government for their warmth,” the prime minister added.
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