Indian PM Modi Visits Ukraine in Bid to Balance Ties with Russia

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a historic visit to Ukraine, a month and a half after his trip to Moscow to hold talks with President Vladimir Putin. The visit aims to boost economic ties and cooperation in defense, science, and technology between India and Ukraine.

Modi's visit comes after his meeting with Putin, which was seen as reinforcing their partnership, and amid pressure from the West to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine. India has maintained a neutral stance, urging Ukraine and Russia to resolve the conflict through dialogue.

The visit is seen as an attempt by India to balance its ties with Russia, with whom it has a strong historical relationship, and to reassure the West of its commitment to non-alignment. Bilateral trade between India and Ukraine is significantly lower than with Russia, but Modi and Zelenskyy have interacted at global events, and India has provided humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.

Analysts say Zelenskyy is unlikely to raise Modi's meeting with Putin publicly, but it will be a "strong undertone" to his Ukraine trip. The visit is likely to be well-received in the US and other Western countries critical of Modi's meeting with Putin in July.

Modi's visit is not expected to lead to India taking on a role as a peacemaker in the conflict, but rather to secure Indian interests in Ukraine and placate the West. The Kremlin is likely to observe the visit, but is unlikely to be concerned unless Modi makes highly critical statements about Russia.