Kyiv (Ukraine): At the request of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the war-torn country on Friday by special train to encourage a diplomatic settlement of the current Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The visit is significant as it marks the first time an Indian Prime Minister has visited Ukraine since establishing bilateral relations in 1992.
After a 10-hour train journey on Rail Force One from Poland, PM Modi was greeted with open arms at the Kyiv station. The Indian diaspora, brimming with enthusiasm and warmth, welcomed him to the Hyatt Hotel for his initial meetings.
PM Modi’s visit primarily discusses a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. India’s potential constructive role in mediating between the two nations brings hope for a peaceful resolution.
“I look forward to the opportunity to build upon earlier conversations with President Zelenskyy on strengthening bilateral cooperation and share perspectives on the peaceful resolution of the ongoing Ukraine conflict,” PM Modi stated before departing from Delhi.
PM Modi’s visit also comes nearly six weeks after his trip to Moscow and meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which triggered objections from the West.
Earlier in a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted that the Prime Minister’s engagements in Kyiv will encompass a broad range of bilateral ties, including political, trade, economic, investments, education, cultural exchanges, and humanitarian assistance.
The Ukrainian President’s office also emphasised the importance of this visit, noting that the talks between PM Modi and President Zelensky will cover bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Additionally, several documents between Ukraine and India, which are expected to be signed during this visit, could pave the way for enhanced cooperation and mutual benefits.
PM Modi met with President Zelensky on June 14 on the sidelines of the 50th G7 Summit in Italy’s Apulia. They discussed the ongoing conflict and bilateral relations. Modi reiterated India’s commitment to supporting a peaceful solution through dialogue and diplomacy.
India has maintained a consistent position on the Russia-Ukraine war, allowing it to engage with both sides to encourage a resolution through peaceful means.
Additionally, New Delhi has provided significant humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, including essential medicines, medical equipment, and other forms of aid, demonstrating India’s commitment to supporting Ukraine during this challenging time.
Before he visited Ukraine, PM Modi made a historic visit to Poland, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 45 years.
During his stay, he met with Polish President Andrzej Sebastian Duda and Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who expressed his confidence that PM Modi will push for a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Why did PM Modi travel by train to Kyiv?
On Thursday night, Prime Minister Narendra Modi set out on a historic 20-hour (to and fro) overnight train trip from Poland to Ukraine.
He travelled for 10 hours to reach his destination. His stopover in Ukraine will last seven hours, and then he will undertake the same 10-hour journey between Ukraine and Poland.
Given the current armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine, choosing to go by train rather than by air is a calculated strategic decision. Because of the conflict, all airports in Ukraine are closed, so using the train is safer.
Elevated to five-star status, “Train Force One” is a symbol of “Iron Diplomacy,” a concept invented by Ukraine’s railway CEO, Alexander Kamyshin. It also functions as a diplomatic lifeline.
Constructed for travellers in Crimea in 2014, the train bears a resemblance to an exclusive hotel on wheels.
The train has a spacious table for formal gatherings, a cosy sofa, and a TV set on the wall.
It can manage difficult situations and has secure communication systems and armoured glass for protection.
Before PM Modi, several world leaders travelled to Ukraine using this special train, including US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, former UK PM Rishi Sunak, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and Italy’s PM Giorgia Meloni.
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–IANS
