Prime Minister Modi with Vladimir Zelensky (file image)
Photo by: ANI
The war, which has been going on for two-odd years, will be high on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s agenda when he meets the Ukrainian President. Volodymyr Zelensky In kyiv, Modi will have to discuss other matters during his eight hours there. Indian prime ministers Morarji Desai and Indira Gandhi have both been to kyiv, but it was part of the Soviet Union at the time. Modi will therefore be the first prime minister to visit Ukraine since it became independent in 1991.
First, the war. India wants an immediate end to the war and negotiations, and Modi has even said that… RussiaPresident Vladimir Putin has said that the 21st century is not the time for war. Ukrainian expectations are a little different. Some major countries such as Brazil, a member of BRICS along with Russia and India, have suggested that New Delhi get involved in the peace process as it has friends on both sides, but it remains to be seen how India will handle it.
But there are other important issues being discussed. First of all, an agreement on agricultural cooperation is on the table. This is important because Ukraine can be a major supplier of sunflower oil. Since Ukraine is a major grain producer and many southern countries have been affected by rising food, fuel and fertilizer prices due to the war, there will be much to discuss.
Ukraine has repeatedly talked about post-war reconstruction and invited Indian companies. This topic could come up in the talks, but for reconstruction to gain momentum, the war will have to end.
Cultural cooperation is certainly on the agenda. There is talk of creating an Indian cultural centre in kyiv and a Ukrainian one in New Delhi. Yoga could also be discussed. What Modi will do beyond bilateral cooperation is still a matter of discussion. But of course, as far as the talks are concerned, the topic will be war.
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