Modi Makes First Visit From Indian Head of State to Ukraine
Above: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, Ukraine, on August 23, 2024. Image copyright: India's Presidential Press Office via X
The Spin
Narrative A
India's Modi will have a difficult balancing act to keep positive relations with Ukraine while keeping Russia — which India shares a decades-long relationship with — happy. However, Modi is one of few world leaders who has a good relationship with both countries, alongside the diplomacy required to make such a peace deal happen.
Narrative B
This trip is about India's self-interest, rather than an interest in peace or any other matters. By making this trip, Modi is continuing on his quest to bring Europe closer to India. That's because as Russia cozies up to China, Modi feels that India may need to make new alliances.
