- India expresses intent to facilitate peace in Ukraine.
During his inaugural trip to Russia-affected Ukraine, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed assistance to cease the conflict, although he kept specific strategies hidden. This visit served as a noticeable warming trend in Ukraine's perspectives, given its prior concerns over India's close ties with Russia. Kyiv counts on Indian support as a significant global voice.
To highlight amiable relations, Modi warmly embraced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy multiple times. Previously, Modi's affectionate greetings with Kremlin head Vladimir Putin in Moscow met with criticism at home and abroad.
"We wish Ukraine well"
"President Zelenskyy acknowledges our benevolent intentions toward Ukraine," Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar affirmed. "We uphold the belief that this conflict should conclude." Both parties are expected to collaborate in seeking a resolution. In a joint statement, Zelenskyy and Modi recalled the peace gathering in Switzerland in June, which Russia failed to attend and India declined to endorse.
Zelenskyy regarded the communique as the cornerstone for a fair peace. Modi emphasized the significance of ensuring uninterrupted grain exports from Ukraine, urging all parties to swiftly restore tranquility. Both leaders highlighted the relevance of the UN Charter, which safeguards the territorial integrity of all nations.
Modi laments Ukrainian children's plight
In populous India, only the nuclear threats posed by Moscow early in 2022 encountered criticism. Modi consistently advocates for peace. Instead of paying respects to fallen Ukrainian soldiers, Modi's debut encounter with Zelenskyy was at a remembrance for Ukrainian children. The Indian leader placed a doll at the former sanctuary. "Conflicts have a severe impact on children," Modi shared on social media. He also considered the bereaved children's families, extending sympathy and solace in their grief.
India does not comply with Western sanctions against Moscow and consistently advocates for dialogue to settle the dispute. "Peace prevails indefinitely," Modi contended upon his trip's conclusion on social media. In Kyiv, he visited the monument for Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948), the renowned Indian peace advocate and proponent of non-violent resistance.
India maintains harmony between the West and Russia
The subcontinent enjoys strong ties with both Western powers and Moscow. India is heavily dependent on Russia for military hardware, yet is working to reduce this reliance. During the conflict, India became one of the prominent buyers of discounted Russian oil. Simultaneously, Indian policy seeks to hinder China and the Russia-China partnership from garnering excessive influence, given India's strained relations with China.
Modi ventured to Moscow in July - his initial visit since the start of the invasion. This visit took place shortly after Modi's re-election as prime minister, which Russian media interpreted as a token of appreciation for Russia-India relationships.
Zelenskyy censured Modi's proximity to Putin at the time. India rebutted this, with Foreign Minister Jaishankar asserting in Kyiv, "Cultural disparities may create misunderstandings that people in the West might not perceive." Today, Prime Minister Modi also extended a cordial welcome to Zelensky. "In our part of the world, greetings like embraces are customary when two individuals meet."
The European Union expresses concern over India's close ties with Russia, given its stance on Ukraine's conflict. In response to this, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar clarified to the European Union that India supports a peaceful resolution to the conflict and upholds the UN Charter's principles of territorial integrity for all nations.
