Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to Delhi on Saturday after completing a significant two-nation visit to Poland and Ukraine. His arrival at Palam airport marked the end of a tour that underscored India's growing diplomatic engagement in Europe, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
PM Modi’s visit to Poland was historic as it marked the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 45 years. It also marked the first time an Indian Prime Minister visited Ukraine. These visits highlighted India’s commitment to strengthening ties with both nations amidst the challenging geopolitical landscape in the region.
During his time in Ukraine, Prime Minister Modi held crucial discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international law, with particular emphasis on respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of nations, principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter.
They discussed the importance of maintaining dialogue and diplomacy as the primary means of resolving conflicts. India's participation in the Peace Summit on Ukraine, held in Burgenstock, Switzerland, in June 2024, was acknowledged as a key step in supporting these efforts. Ukraine appreciated India’s involvement and emphasised the significance of India's continued engagement in future peace initiatives.
In Poland, PM Modi's discussions with his counterpart Donald Tusk led to a significant decision to elevate bilateral relations to a "Strategic Partnership." The two leaders expressed deep concern over the ongoing war in Ukraine and its devastating humanitarian impact.
They called for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace that aligns with international law and respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations. Both leaders strongly condemned the use or threat of nuclear weapons, reiterating that such actions are unacceptable under any circumstances.
The conversations also touched on the broader implications of the war, particularly its effects on global food and energy security, which have disproportionately affected the Global South.
PM Modi and Tusk highlighted the importance of maintaining a rules-based international order, emphasising that all states must refrain from using force or threatening the territorial integrity and sovereignty of other nations.
In addition to these discussions, India and Poland reaffirmed their unwavering stance against terrorism in all its forms. They called for the strict implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions and the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Both sides also emphasised the need for the early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT), which has been a long-standing demand of India.
The visit also strengthened India's commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region, with both countries agreeing on the importance of adhering to international maritime laws, as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They stressed the need to respect sovereignty, territorial integrity, and freedom of navigation to ensure maritime security and global peace.
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