India's Modi Seeks to Restore Western Ties with Historic Kyiv Visit.

Modi’s Historic Kyiv Visit Sets the Stage for Closer India-West Relations

BY – PIYUSH BISHT

                                                                                                           ( Source - ANI )

In a significant shift in India’s foreign policy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic visit to Kyiv on August 23, 2023. This visit, just six weeks after his controversial embrace of Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, marks the first time an Indian head of government has visited Ukraine since its independence in 1991. Modi’s trip signals a concerted effort to restore and strengthen ties with the West while attempting to balance India's longstanding relationship with Russia.

Modi’s arrival in Ukraine, after a two-day stay in Poland with Prime Minister Donald Tusk, was highly symbolic. The image of Modi warmly embracing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky outside the presidential palace contrasted sharply with his earlier encounter with Putin, when Modi’s calls for peace were overshadowed by the optics of his close relationship with the Russian leader. This visit comes at a time when India’s diplomatic position has been under scrutiny globally, particularly after Modi's Moscow visit, which drew criticism from various quarters, including Ukraine and the United States.

A Recalibration of India’s Diplomatic Balance

India’s diplomatic balancing act has been in the spotlight since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While the country has maintained a strong defense and strategic relationship with Russia, it has also sought to avoid alienating the West, which has backed Ukraine throughout the conflict. Modi’s visit to Kyiv signals an attempt to recalibrate India’s stance, particularly in the wake of mounting international pressure.

The optics of Modi’s Moscow visit raised questions about India’s alignment in the war, especially as India significantly increased its imports of discounted Russian oil. These oil purchases, while economically beneficial for India, indirectly supported Russia’s war efforts, which didn’t sit well with Western nations. Zelensky himself voiced disappointment with Modi’s Moscow visit, calling it a “huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts,” criticizing the incongruity of the leader of the world’s largest democracy embracing “the world’s most bloody criminal.”

Despite this backlash, India maintained its neutrality at the United Nations, abstaining from votes condemning Russia’s actions, while refraining from directly naming Russia as the aggressor. This careful navigation of the crisis has allowed India to preserve its historical ties with Moscow, an important arms supplier and strategic ally in the face of China’s rising influence. However, the visit to Kyiv represents a shift in the approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as Modi moves to regain trust and assert India’s role as a responsible global player.

The Significance of the Kyiv Visit

Modi’s trip to Kyiv is not only about improving optics; it is also a strategic move to repair India's image in the West. The visit is an acknowledgment of the need to balance relationships with both Russia and Western powers as India steps into a larger global leadership role. India has long recognized the importance of its relationship with the West, especially as it seeks to position itself as a major player in global geopolitics and a counterbalance to China.

In Kyiv, Modi addressed several critical issues, including the impact of Russia’s war on global stability and economic supply chains. While the visit was largely diplomatic, it also signaled India’s growing interest in fostering better relations with Ukraine, and by extension, the Western world. India’s diplomatic maneuvering in Kyiv aims to signal that the country is committed to peace and stability in the region, while also reasserting its independent foreign policy.

 

The Road Ahead for India’s Foreign Policy

The coming months will be pivotal in determining whether Modi’s visit has achieved its goal of restoring India’s global standing. While the visit was symbolic, it also opens the door for deeper engagement between India and Ukraine, potentially leading to future collaboration on areas such as defense, trade, and technology. The international community will be watching closely to see if this visit marks a true shift in India’s foreign policy or if it is a temporary gesture to appease Western critics.

For India, the challenge lies in continuing to maintain its strategic relationship with Russia while simultaneously building stronger ties with the West. As the world’s largest democracy, India’s position in the Russia-Ukraine conflict has far-reaching consequences, not only for its own foreign policy but also for global geopolitics. The delicate balancing act between supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and retaining its strong ties with Russia will continue to shape India’s role on the world stage.

Conclusion: A Turning Point or Temporary Gesture?

Modi’s visit to Kyiv is a landmark moment in India’s foreign policy, reflecting a shift towards more balanced diplomatic engagement with both Russia and the West. However, the true impact of this visit will be determined by the steps India takes in the coming months. Will this trip mark a permanent shift in India’s diplomatic approach, or will it be seen as a short-term gesture designed to placate the West? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: India’s role in global diplomacy is evolving, and Modi’s Kyiv visit will play a key part in shaping the country’s future foreign policy.