Indian PM Modi lands in Warsaw for landmark Poland, Ukraine visit

In a historic trip to Poland, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched down in Warsaw on Wednesday. Later this week, he will proceed to Ukraine to advance calls for a “peaceful resolution” of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

As the country’s steadfast ally and neighbor, Poland is a vital transit point for international leaders traveling to Kyiv. Modi will be the first Indian prime minister to visit Ukraine and the first to visit the country in 45 years.

On Thursday, he is scheduled to meet with President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Donald Tusk of Poland, in addition to Indian nationals residing in the nation in Central Europe.

Before Modi’s visit, deputy prime minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz told reporters that Poland “needs a lasting partnership with India.”

In order to protect India from its regional adversary China, Modi has tread carefully in preserving India’s historically cordial ties with Russia while pursuing stronger security alliances with Western countries.

Instead of outright denouncing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, his government has urged communication between the two parties to settle their concerns.

“As a friend and partner, we hope for an early return of peace and stability
in the region,” Modi said in a statement published Wednesday before his
departure for Poland.

According to the statement, Modi would “share perspectives on peaceful resolution of the ongoing Ukraine conflict” with President Volodymyr Zelensky during their meeting in Kyiv.

“A number of documents are also expected to be signed” during Modi’s visit, Zelensky stated on Monday.

When Modi visited Moscow in July, hours after Russia had destroyed several cities in Ukraine, he was photographed kissing Putin at his home, which infuriated Zelensky.

In 2019, Modi paid Putin a visit in New Delhi, two years after his initial visit to Russia, just weeks before Moscow launched its war against Ukraine.

India has often refrained from denouncing Russia directly and has abstained from voting on UN resolutions that aim to punish the Kremlin.