A visit with multiple messages.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid official visits to Poland and Ukraine from August 21-23. The visits were significant diplomatic events, providing an opportunity for New Delhi to send larger messages.

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

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

A multi-targeted arrow

For Poland, during World War II, India strongly supported Poland's struggle against Nazi German aggression. 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). Over the past period, bilateral trade has grown steadily, reaching US$5.72 billion in 2023. In terms of defense, Poland has transferred 80 WZT-3 armored rescue vehicles (ARVs) to the Indian Army. The Polish drone manufacturer WB Group is also working closely with the Indian armed forces…

The Indian community in Poland numbers approximately 25,000 people. During the evacuation of citizens stranded in neighboring countries due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Poland assisted New Delhi in relocating 4,000 students from Ukraine.

According to the Times of India, many Indians, especially Indian students in Poland, are eagerly anticipating and excited about Prime Minister Modi's visit. The visit will help India "warm up" its relationship with Poland, while also helping Modi solidify his image as a contributing leader, especially in the context of having just assumed the office of Prime Minister of India for the third consecutive time.

For Ukraine, the visit attracted particular attention because it took place against the backdrop of Prime Minister Modi's official visit to Russia last month.

Furthermore, Kyiv's unexpected deployment of troops into Russia's Kursk province has further complicated the conflict. Tatyana Shaumyan, head of the Center for Indian Studies at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences , believes it cannot be ruled out that Russia is "relying" on India's mediating role.

Despite pressure from a Russia with close ties to India and the need to maintain strategic relations with the US, India continues to demonstrate a proactive approach. Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, New Delhi has maintained a balanced stance. 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.”

Enhance influence

Prime Minister Modi's visit to the two Eastern European countries demonstrates India's approach to and handling of strategic relationships.

Firstly, India demonstrates its commitment to bilateral diplomatic relations with Poland and Ukraine. Poland is one of the fastest-growing economies in the European Union and a NATO member, playing a crucial role in maintaining European security, especially after the Russia-Ukraine conflict. New Delhi's strengthening of relations with Warsaw can be seen as part of a strategy to diversify its diplomatic relations, focusing more on strategically important middle-sized countries in the region, thereby enhancing India's presence in Europe and its role in global affairs. Regarding Ukraine, India also demonstrates its role as a neutral party, potentially acting as a bridge between Ukraine and other countries, particularly developing nations, to seek economic and humanitarian support.

Secondly, India is sending a message to the international community that it supports peace and conflict resolution through diplomacy, dialogue, and negotiation in accordance with the United Nations Charter. India will continue to maintain a balanced stance and promote a fair and peaceful solution to the current conflict.

Thirdly, India is demonstrating strategically calculated and systematic steps, showing responsibility in resolving international issues. India may not pursue a mediating role, but is willing to convey messages between the two sides. India has made thorough preparations for the visit to Ukraine, with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister having visited India and met with his counterpart since March 2024.

In June 2024, India sent a delegation to the peace conference in Switzerland at Ukraine's request, although no joint communiqué was signed due to Russia's absence. In July 2024, Prime Minister Modi visited Russia to understand Moscow's perspective, and now he is visiting Poland as well as neighboring Ukraine.

Prime Minister Modi's meticulous preparation and execution of his special trip to Poland and Ukraine further demonstrate 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