Modi's Upcoming european Trip:

Amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the global landscape appears increasingly polarized. However, india has opted for a neutral stance, advocating for resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. prime minister Narendra Modi is set to visit ukraine and poland from august 21 to 23, drawing significant attention.

India has faced criticism from Western countries for its continued trade with russia, particularly in cheap oil, despite Modi's firm stance last year when he told President Vladimir Putin, "This is not an era of war." During the G20 summit in New Delhi, there was intense anticipation regarding whether a consensus on the conflict could be achieved. Modi's subsequent visit to russia and his meeting with Putin were met with skepticism and criticism, especially from the West. US officials, including Ambassador Eric Garcetti, criticized India's stance, suggesting that strategic autonomy should not apply during conflicts. The indian Ministry of External Affairs responded by emphasizing that India’s strategic autonomy and partnership with the US allow for respectful disagreements on certain issues.

Despite these criticisms, Modi’s visit to russia did not result in significant announcements regarding technology or defense, reflecting a routine diplomatic engagement. Modi's position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict has consistently emphasized that this is "not an era of war" and that solutions cannot be achieved through battle, a stance reiterated in the G20 joint statement and his recent discussions with Putin.

India's approach to the conflict is characterized by its commitment to neutrality while addressing the gravity of the situation. Modi has demonstrated this by sending a delegation to the swiss Peace Conference to show solidarity with ukraine, despite not signing the joint communique that excluded Russia. india has also supported the Black sea Grain Initiative to maintain wheat trade from ukraine and has sent multiple aid consignments to the country.

India plays a crucial role as a prominent voice from the Global South, raising concerns for countries affected by the conflict. Modi’s upcoming visit to poland, a neighbor to ukraine, will include meetings with Polish leaders to share insights and perspectives gained from discussions with key stakeholders, aiming to foster dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict.

Modi’s preparation for his visit to Kyiv underscores his dedication to peace efforts. Following his european trip, he is expected to address the UN General assembly in September, where it will be interesting to see if he discusses his recent visits and proposes strategies for resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
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Sudha Subbiah

18/08/2024 07:07 PM