News analysis Modi positions India as peacemaker in Ukraine conflict

PM's visit to Kyiv also highlights New Delhi's tightrope walk between Russia and the US

- Nirmala Ganapathy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought to position India as a peacemaker in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, but his visit to Kyiv also underlined that New Delhi is not going to choose between the two sides in the war.

During a one-day visit to Kyiv on Aug 23, he personally offered to play a role in efforts to bring about a cessation of hostilities, reiterating India's position that the conflict can be resolved only through dialogue and diplomacy.

His visit was the first ever by an Indian prime minister to Ukraine since diplomatic ties between the two countries were established in 1992.

"We were not neutral from day one. We have taken a side, and we stand firmly for peace," he said while seated next to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ahead of talks between the two leaders.

However, it remains to be seen what role India can play to aid efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

The visit does not in any way alter India's close relationship with Russia even as Mr Modi expressed solidarity with Ukraine and pledged humanitarian support.

Professor Harsh V. Pant, vice-president for studies and foreign policy at New Delhi-based Observer Research Foundation, told The Sunday Times: "India has not cancelled out Russia. India continues to engage and maintain ties with Russia, and that is critical.

"So I think in more ways than one, India wants to articulate an independent stance, a stance that reflects India's own voice and India's growing stature on the global stage."

Mr Modi's visit to Kyiv comes six weeks after he went to Russia, where his warm hug with President Vladimir Putin amplified India's longstanding ties with Moscow and raised Western hackles.