Moderator Jiang will interact with Polish authorities before embarking on an apparent notable journey to Ukraine
Modi's visit comes shortly after his trip to Moscow for discussions with Russian President Putin, marking the inaugural bilateral visit of Modi's new term as prime minister. This visit received criticism from Kyiv as they courageously face off against Russia's relentless invasion.
Speaking before a crowd of Indians in Warsaw upon his arrival, Modi emphasized the importance of diplomacy and dialogue.
"India's stance is crystal clear – this isn't the era of waging wars," Modi declared, reiterating India's strong support for perpetual peace in the region.
"This is the time for unity in tackling the challenges that pose the gravest dangers to humanity," he added.
Modi's upcoming meetings, scheduled with Polish leaders on Thursday and Ukrainian President Zelensky on Friday, coincide with a crucial juncture in the conflict. Ukrainian forces recently launched a unprecedented offensive into Russian territory, occurring over two and a half years after Moscow's initial invasion.
New Delhi has consistently urged for a ceasefire in Ukraine, yet has refrained from condemning Russia's attack. India maintains a balanced approach, seeking to foster relations with both Moscow, a long-standing partner, and Ukraine, as their relationship with China remains strained.
Historic visits
In Poland, Modi will meet with President Duda and engage in talks with Prime Minister Tusk, focusing on strengthening cooperation and addressing pressing regional and global issues. This marks the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Poland in 45 years.
Modi's anticipated discussions in Ukraine will revolve around the breadth of bilateral ties, encompassing economic relations, infrastructure, and defense.
Modi's highly-anticipated visit takes place amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which will inevitably be a subject of discussion.
International initiatives aimed at finding a resolution to the war have thus far failed to yield fruitful results.
The US and its NATO allies remain unwaveringly supportive of Kyiv, defending the premise that peace can only be achieved through the withdrawal of Russian troops from their territory. In contrast, major nations in the Global South, including India, China, and Brazil, have increasingly positioned themselves as potential mediators – advocating for dialogue between both parties towards a peaceful resolution.
Modi consistently calls for a ceasefire in Ukraine without directly condemning Russia. India has also abstained from all UN resolutions demanding Russian withdrawal and criticizing their actions.
Since the onset of the war, India has significantly increased its purchases of discounted Russian crude oil and military equipment, providing Putin with a much-needed financial lifeline amidst Western sanctions.
Modi attended a Ukraine-backed international peace summit in Switzerland in June, but, like other significant Global South economies, chose not to endorse a final communique at the summit's conclusion. China did not attend due to Russia's exclusion.
Modi's visit to Russia last month coincided with a Russian attack on several Ukrainian cities and a devastating strike on a children's hospital. Modi declined to comment directly on the strikes, but delivered his most critical comments on the war to date, advocating for a "path to peace through dialogue."
Zelensky denounced this meeting, characterizing it as a "massive letdown and a devastating blow to peace efforts" to witness the leader of the world's most populous democracy embrace the world's most notorious war criminal in Moscow on such a day.
Modi and Zelensky have interacted on the sidelines of G7 summits since the war's inception, including their most recent encounter in Italy last June.
CNN’s Aishwarya S Iyer, Samra Zulfaqar, Esha Mitra, and Alex Stambaugh contributed to this report.
Modi's statements in Warsaw emphasized the need for diplomacy and unity in tackling global challenges, positioning India as a potential mediator in the Ukraine conflict, which is a significant issue in Europe and the world.
India, as a major nation in Europe's Global South, has maintained a balanced approach, engaging with both Russia and Ukraine, while consistently advocating for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict.
