Modi is expected to visit Ukraine between August 21 and 23, ET had reported earlier. It comes just over a month after Modi visited Russia and Austria.
The MEA also said that the Modi’s visit will be the first time that an Indian PM will be visiting Ukraine in more than 30 years since the two nations established diplomatic relations.
“PM Narendra Modi will undertake an official visit to Ukraine later this week on Friday, August 23, on the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This visit will build upon the recent high-level interactions between the leaders,” said Secretary West, MEA, Tanmaya Lal.
Furthermore, before reaching Ukraine, PM Modi is also set to embark on an official visit to Poland from August 21-22, another first by an Indian PM in over four decades despite the country being India’s largest trading and investment partner in central and eastern Europe.
“PM Narendra Modi will be undertaking an official visit to Poland this week on 21st and 22nd August on the invitation of PM Donald Tusk. This is a landmark visit as the PM of Indian is visiting Poland after 45 years. This visit takes place as we also mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations,” said Lal.Western capitals have imposed sanctions on Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but friendly nations such as India and China have continued to trade with it.India has refrained from directly blaming Russia – for what Moscow calls a special military operation – while urging the neighbours to resolve the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
The U.S. has raised concerns over India’s relationship with Russia, especially at a time when Washington has been seeking to strengthen ties with New Delhi as a potential counterweight to an ascendant China.
New Delhi is seeking to deepen its relationship with the West while keeping ties intact with old friend Russia.
