India's Balancing Act: PM Modi's Historic Visit to Ukraine Amidst Russia Ties

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's imminent visit to Ukraine, scheduled for Friday, marks a significant diplomatic move. This visit comes amidst India's existing ties with Russia and has raised questions about India's stance on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Analysts suggest that Modi's Ukraine visit could be an attempt to balance India's relationship with both Russia and Ukraine, while also maintaining India's non-aligned foreign policy.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make a historic visit to Ukraine on Friday, the first such visit by an Indian Prime Minister since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries over 30 years ago. The visit comes amidst India's existing ties with Russia, which have raised questions about India's position on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

India's Balancing Act: PM Modi's Historic Visit to Ukraine Amidst Russia Ties

According to officials in India and Ukraine, the visit will focus on boosting economic ties and cooperation in defense, science, and technology. India and Ukraine have a bilateral trade relationship worth approximately $3 billion, while India remains a key buyer of Russian oil following sanctions imposed by Western countries.

Analysts suggest that Modi's Ukraine visit could be an attempt to balance India's relationship with both Russia and Ukraine. India has maintained a non-aligned stance, avoiding direct criticism of Russia and refraining from voting against it in UN resolutions. The visit to Ukraine could be seen as an effort to counterbalance Modi's recent visit to Moscow, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

India's Balancing Act: PM Modi's Historic Visit to Ukraine Amidst Russia Ties

India and Russia have had strong ties since the Cold War, with Russia being a crucial trade and defense partner. India relies on Russia for approximately 60% of its military systems and hardware, while over 40% of its oil imports come from Russia. Modi's visit to Moscow was seen by analysts as reinforcing this partnership, despite Western criticism.

India's bilateral trade with Ukraine is significantly lower than that with Russia. However, Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have interacted on the sidelines of global events, and Ukraine's Foreign Minister visited New Delhi earlier this year. India has also provided humanitarian assistance to Ukraine since the invasion.

The trip to Ukraine is likely to be well-received in the United States and other Western countries that have been critical of Modi's meeting with Putin. It could offer some reassurance to the West, while also demonstrating that India maintains a closer relationship with Moscow.

The Kremlin will be observing Modi's visit to Ukraine, but analysts believe it is unlikely to be concerned unless Modi makes highly critical statements against Russia.

While some speculated that India might play a role as a peacemaker in the conflict, experts suggest that India has preferred to stay out of direct involvement in resolving the issue. India has not proposed a peace plan, unlike China and Turkey.

Prime Minister Modi's visit to Ukraine marks a significant diplomatic move for India, as it seeks to balance its relationships with Russia and Ukraine. The visit underscores India's non-aligned foreign policy, while also demonstrating the complex dynamics of its international ties.