Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kyiv on Friday for discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, a visit closely observed by Russia amid its ongoing military campaign in Ukraine.
This marks the first visit by an Indian leader to Ukraine since its independence. Modi’s trip comes shortly after his visit to Moscow, a symbolic start to his new term, where he met with President Vladimir Putin—a meeting that drew criticism from Kyiv.
While New Delhi has consistently advocated for a ceasefire and peace in Ukraine, it has stopped short of condemning Russia’s invasion. India seeks to preserve its relationship with Moscow, a key arms supplier and an important partner in counterbalancing its complex relationship with China.
Additionally, India has become an economic lifeline for Russia, significantly increasing its imports of Russian crude oil following global sanctions that have isolated Moscow economically. According to Reuters, India surpassed China last month as the largest importer of Russian oil, based on trade and industry data.
Modi’s arrival in Kyiv, timed just before Ukraine’s independence day, follows a two-day visit to Poland where he strengthened bilateral relations with the NATO member. At a press conference in Warsaw, Modi underscored India’s position that “no problem can be solved on the battlefield,” referencing the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
