Is PM Modi Planning a Visit to Ukraine? MEA Responds to Speculation

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday addressed recent media reports suggesting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may visit Ukraine by the end of August.

These reports follow concerns raised by several Western nations after PM Modi’s visit to Moscow in July. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed that PM Modi’s embrace with Russian President Vladimir Putin was not only a significant disappointment but also a “devastating blow to peace efforts.”

If the visit materializes, it would mark the first time an Indian Prime Minister has visited Ukraine, and it would likely be viewed as an attempt to balance India’s stance in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Responding to the media speculation, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated on Friday, “We will be holding a press conference soon, where more details regarding the Prime Minister’s potential trip to Ukraine will be shared.”

Reports citing official sources suggest that the Prime Minister may travel to Kyiv via Poland.

India, along with China, remains one of the few major countries that has not explicitly condemned Russia for its aggression against Ukraine. While many perceive India’s stance as pro-Russia neutrality, India has consistently maintained since the invasion began in February 2022 that it seeks to engage both sides, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving the conflict.