Sources familiar with the preparations for Prime Minister Modi The visit to Ukraine revealed that a “frank” discussion with President Zelenskyy is expected, and that the ongoing conflict will dominate the agenda.
This visit to kyiv comes almost six weeks after Modi’s important trip to Moscow, where he held detailed talks with the Russian president. Vladimir Putin on the solution to the ongoing conflict.
During the Kiev talks, the Indian side is expected to refer to its recent discussions with President Putin, as part of broader efforts to facilitate communication between the two nations, according to sources.
In the first leg of the two-nation trip, Modi will visit the Polish capital Warsaw on August 21 and 22.
Modi will be in kyiv for about seven hours on August 23 in the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Ukraine since the country gained its independence in 1991.
The prime minister is expected to hold individual and delegation-level talks with Zelensky.
In a farewell statement, Modi, referring to the conflict in Ukraine, said that as a “friend and partner”, India looks forward to an early return of peace and stability in the region.
“I will visit Ukraine from Poland at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This is the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine,” Modi said.
“I look forward to the opportunity to build on previous discussions with President Zelensky on strengthening bilateral cooperation and sharing perspectives on the peaceful resolution of the current conflict in Ukraine,” he said.
“As a friend and partner, we look forward to a speedy return of peace and stability in the region,” he added.
Modi said he was confident that his visit to Warsaw and kyiv “will serve as a natural continuation of extensive contacts with the two countries and help create the foundation for stronger and more vibrant relations in the years to come.”
The prime minister will travel to kyiv from Poland on a ‘Rail Force One’ train, which will take around ten hours to get there. The return journey will also take the same amount of time.
Several world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, visited kyiv by train after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
India has yet to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and has called for a resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
In his summit talks with Russian President Putin in Moscow last month, Modi said a solution to the Ukraine conflict is not possible on the battlefield and that peace talks are not successful amid bombs and bullets.
The Ministry of External Affairs said on Monday that Modi’s visit to Ukraine would be “historic and of great importance.”
“Lasting peace can only be achieved through options that are acceptable to both sides and can only be achieved through a negotiated solution,” said Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) at the Ministry of External Affairs.
“For our part, India continues to engage with all stakeholders,” he said.
During his visit to Poland, Modi said he looked forward to meeting Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Andrzej Duda.
“My visit to Poland coincides with the 70th anniversary of our diplomatic relations. Poland is a key economic partner in Central Europe,” he said.
“Our mutual commitment to democracy and pluralism further strengthens our relationship. I look forward to meeting with my friend Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Andrzej Duda to further advance our collaboration,” he said.
“I will also reach out to members of the vibrant Indian community in Poland,” Modi added.
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