Multi-message visit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay an official visit to Poland and Ukraine from August 21-23. The visit is an important diplomatic event, an opportunity for New Delhi to send bigger messages.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Warsaw, Poland, August 21. (Source: PTI)

Prime Minister Modi's visits to the two Eastern European countries are historic, marking the first time an Indian Prime Minister has visited Poland in 45 years and Ukraine in more than 30 years.

Arrows aim at many targets

As for Poland, during World War II, India strongly supported Poland's struggle against Nazi Germany's invasion. Poland and India were part of the Allied coalition in the major battles of Tobruk (1941) and Monte Cassino (1944).

Prime Minister Modi's visit to Poland coincides with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries (1954-2024). Bilateral trade has grown steadily in recent times, reaching $5.72 billion by 2023. In terms of defense, Poland has delivered 80 WZT-3 armored rescue vehicles (ARVs) to the Indian Army. Polish drone manufacturer WB Group is working closely with the Indian Armed Forces…

The Indian community in Poland is around 25,000 strong. During the evacuation of citizens stranded in Ukraine's neighboring countries due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Poland assisted New Delhi in evacuating 4,000 students from Ukraine.

According to the Times of India, many Indians, especially Indian students in Poland, are looking forward to and excited about Prime Minister Modi's visit. Thus, the visit will help India "warm up" its relationship with Poland, while helping Mr. Modi strengthen his image as a leader with many contributions, especially in the context of having just taken office as Prime Minister of India for the third consecutive time.

For Ukraine, the visit also attracted special attention because it took place in the context of Prime Minister Modi's official visit to Russia last month.

In addition, Kiev has suddenly sent troops into Russia’s Kursk province, making the conflict more complicated. Head of the Center for Indian Studies at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tatyana Shaumyan, commented that it is possible that Russia is “relying” on India’s mediation role.

Faced with pressure from a close-knit Russia and the need to maintain strategic ties with the United States, India is still showing initiative in its steps. Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, New Delhi has maintained a balanced attitude. Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed at the G7 Summit in Italy that “India will continue to do everything in its power to support a peaceful solution.”

Increase influence

Prime Minister Modi's visit to two Eastern European countries shows India's approach and behavior towards strategic relationships.

First, India has shown the importance it attaches to its bilateral diplomatic relations with Poland and Ukraine. Poland is one of the fastest growing economies in the European Union and a member of NATO, playing an important role in maintaining European security, especially after the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out. New Delhi’s strengthening of ties with Warsaw can be seen as part of its strategy to diversify its diplomatic relations, focusing more on middle-ranking countries with strategic roles in the region, to increase India’s presence in Europe and its role in global affairs. As for Ukraine, India has also shown its role as a neutral party, perhaps acting as a bridge between Ukraine and other countries, especially developing countries, to seek economic and humanitarian assistance.

Second, India sends a message to the international community that it supports peace and conflict resolution through diplomacy, dialogue and negotiations in accordance with the United Nations Charter. India will continue to maintain a balanced stance and promote a just and peaceful solution to the current conflict.

Third, India is showing strategic, methodical, and responsible steps in addressing international issues. India may not pursue the role of mediator, but it is ready to convey the message between the two sides. India has made careful preparations for its visit to Ukraine, as the Ukrainian Foreign Minister visited India in March 2024 and had a meeting with his counterpart.

In June 2024, India sent a delegation to the peace conference in Switzerland at Ukraine’s request, though it did not sign a joint communique due to Russia’s absence. In July 2024, Prime Minister Modi visited Russia to understand Moscow’s position and now he is visiting Poland as well as neighboring Ukraine.

The careful preparation and execution of Prime Minister Modi's special visit to Poland and Ukraine further demonstrates India's commitment to contributing to the restoration of peace in Europe, serving New Delhi's larger global goals.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/thu-tuong-an-do-den-ba-lan-va-ukraine-chuyen-tham-da-thong-diep-283485.html