PM Modi in Kyiv today: Deep concern, offer all cooperation in returning peace via talks

After concluding his visit to Warsaw, Modi travelled to Kyiv on Thursday night; he is scheduled to meet Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday.

“The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia are a matter of deep concern for all of us. India firmly believes that no problem can be solved on the battlefield. The loss of innocent lives in any crisis has become the biggest challenge for the entire humanity. We support dialogue and diplomacy for the early restoration of peace and stability. For this, India is ready to provide all possible cooperation along with its friendly countries,” Modi said in Warsaw.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi being greeted by children upon his arrival at a hotel in Warsaw on Wednesday. (PTI)

Tusk underlined that India can play an “essential and very constructive role”. “We began with a clarification on very emotional issues. PM Modi confirmed his willingness that he is ready for a peaceful, rightful and immediate end to war. We believe that India can play an essential and very constructive role. So, this announcement is very important for us,” Tusk said. “Prime Minister, in 10 hours you will visit Ukraine. We believe that your visit to Ukraine will be historic,” he added.

Modi’s visit to Kyiv comes a month-and-a-half after his trip to Moscow where he met Russian President Vladimir Putin, which was criticised by Zelenskyy.

In a joint statement, Modi and Tusk reiterated the need for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, in line with international law, consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty. They also noted the negative impacts of the war in Ukraine with regard to global food and energy security, especially for the Global South, and shared the view that the use, or threat of use, of nuclear weapons was unacceptable.

Both sides stressed the need for firm implementation of relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, the UN General Assembly, as well as the implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

Announcing a strategic partnership between India and Poland, Tusk said: “Today, we have decided to take our relations to the level of strategic partnership. This is not just a definition, not mere words. There is our resolution for mutual cooperation in various areas behind this.”

The two sides also announced a social security agreement for the welfare of the skilled workforce and to promote their mobility. They resolved to expand cooperation in key sectors of defence, trade, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, urban infrastructure, food processing, artificial intelligence and space.

Tusk said close cooperation in defence was a symbol of deep mutual trust between the two countries, and Poland was ready to take part in India’s defence modernisation. “Mutual cooperation in this area will be made a priority. Innovation and talent are the identity of the youth power of both our countries,” he said.

“There is no dispute, no struggle between our countries. We understand each other well, despite our geographical differences, different traditions and histories. But history has taught both our countries to respect principles, borders, regional integrity, sovereignty, law of the land,” Tusk said.

The two leaders also reaffirmed their “close coordination on the international platform”. “We both agree that reforms in the United Nations and international institutions are the need of the hour to face global challenges,” Modi said, adding that climate change was a common priority for both the countries.

Modi landed in Warsaw on Wednesday, in the first leg of his two-nation visit to Central Europe. Noting that Poland would assume the presidency of the European Union in January 2025, he said: “I am confident that your support will strengthen the relations between India and the EU.”

“Relations between India and Poland are based on shared values like democracy and rule of law,” Modi said, adding that they had identified several initiatives to give new direction to the ties. “As two democratic countries, the exchange of views between our Parliaments should be encouraged,” he said.

Modi also thanked Tusk for helping in the evacuation of Indian medical students from Ukraine when the war broke out. “You have been a friend of India for a long time and you have made a huge contribution to enhancing the relationship between India and Poland… People of India can never forget the help you have extended in rescuing Indian students during the Ukraine conflict in 2022,” he said.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said: “The leaders exchanged views on reform of United Nations and other international institutions, climate change action and threats posed by terrorism.”

Before meeting Tusk, Modi received a ceremonial welcome at the Chancellery in Warsaw. He also met Polish President Andrzej Duda. “Happy to have met President @AndrzejDuda in Warsaw. We had an excellent discussion on ways to deepen India-Poland ties. India greatly values the warm relations with Poland. We look forward to boosting commercial and cultural linkages between our nations in the times to come,” he said on X.

Modi also paid tribute at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and met business leaders and Polish influencers in Warsaw.