Why Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ukraine is Significant

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kyiv marks a historic moment as he becomes the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Ukraine since diplomatic relations were established in 1992. This visit follows Modi’s recent meeting with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and signifies a notable shift from India’s traditional foreign policy stance, which has long been characterised by strong ties with Russia, rooted in the Cold War era.

Background

The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, which began in 2022, has been a focal point in global diplomacy. India has maintained a neutral stance throughout the war, balancing its longstanding relationship with Russia while navigating international pressure. This neutrality is viewed differently by various global actors; for instance, the U.S. and Ukraine consider Russia the aggressor and have urged India to take a clearer stance.

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India’s Evolving Foreign Policy

India’s shift in policy and Modi’s visit to Ukraine can be seen as part of India’s evolving foreign policy. Ukraine, after the dissolution of the USSR, was not a focus of India’s foreign policy, which had been predominantly oriented towards Russia. This visit signals a broader attempt by India to diversify its international relationships and assert a more active role in global politics.

India’s Interest in Ukraine

 India’s interest in Ukraine is driven by several factors:

• Business Opportunities: The war has strained India-Ukraine relations, leading to a significant drop in bilateral trade. Trade volumes fell from $3.39 billion in 2021-2022 to $0.78 billion and $0.71 billion in 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 respectively. Despite this, the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine presents new opportunities for Indian businesses.
• Strategic Importance: Ukraine’s strength as an agrarian power, particularly its role as a major supplier of sunflower oil before the war, adds to its strategic significance for India. This has implications for India’s food security and economic interests.
• Defence Cooperation: There are potential avenues for defence collaboration, which could be explored as Ukraine rebuilds its military capabilities post-conflict.  

Way Forward

• Post-War Reconstruction: As the war ends, opportunities for Indian companies to participate in Ukraine’s rebuilding process could arise.
• Defence Collaboration: Potential defence cooperation could benefit both nations.
• Food Security: Importing sunflower oil from Ukraine could address India’s food security needs.

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Conclusion

For decades after Independence, Europe remained a relatively low priority in Indian foreign policy, focusing mainly on relations with the major European powers—Russia, Germany, France, and Britain. India’s earlier policy of non-alignment is shifting towards maintaining close ties with a broader range of countries. Prime Minister Modi has termed this new approach as “vishwabandhu,” aiming to position India as a global peace-maker and a proactive player on the world stage. This evolving policy offers both economic and strategic benefits, marking a significant departure from previous practices and showcasing India’s broader engagement with the international community.

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