PM Modi Visits Poland and Ukraine, Says This Is Not Time for War
PM Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Poland in 45 years and Ukraine in 33 years. He conducted bilateral talks with the leaders of both nations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made history by visiting Poland and Ukraine from August 21 to 23, 2024. This visit marked the first time an Indian Prime Minister had visited Poland in 45 years and Ukraine since its independence in 1991.
Visit to Poland
PM Modi arrived in Warsaw, Poland's capital, on August 21, 2024, for a two-day official visit. He was accompanied by India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Upon his arrival, PM Modi was given a ceremonial welcome, highlighting the significance of his visit. He expressed that his visit to Poland was special as India and Poland were celebrating 70 years of diplomatic relations. Poland, he noted, is a key economic partner for India in Central Europe.
During his time in Poland, PM Modi met with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Andrzej Duda. On August 22, he held bilateral talks with PM Tusk to discuss strengthening ties between the two countries. PM Modi also paid homage at three significant memorials: the Valivade-Kolhapur camp, the Monument to the Battle of Monte Cassino, and the monument of the Jam Saheb of Nawanagar in Warsaw. The Jam Saheb of Nawanagar is remembered fondly in Poland for providing refuge to over 1,000 Polish children during World War II.
PM Modi also attended a special Dandiya-Garba performance by a local Gujarati dance group at the Jam Saheb Memorial and engaged with the Indian community in Poland. In his address, he emphasized India’s commitment to peace and the need to resolve conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, especially in light of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
During his visit, PM Modi announced several key initiatives, including:
- The Jam Saheb Nawanagar Youth Action Program, which will bring 20 young people from Poland to India each year.
- Mutual defense cooperation.
- A Social Security Agreement to support the welfare of the skilled workforce, as well as promote tourism and migration.
- Joint efforts to combat terrorism and address global warming and climate change.
PM Modi thanked PM Tusk for the warm welcome and acknowledged Poland's long-standing friendship with India.
Visit to Ukraine
On August 22, 2024, PM Modi traveled to Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country since it became independent. Invited by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, PM Modi traveled by a special train called Train Force One, equipped with luxury facilities for the 20-hour journey.
PM Modi’s visit to Ukraine came shortly after his controversial visit to Moscow, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a time of intense conflict in Ukraine. President Zelenskyy had criticized PM Modi’s meeting with Putin, describing it as a "devastating blow to peace efforts."
PM Modi arrived in Kyiv on August 23, 2024, and was warmly welcomed by Ukrainian officials and members of the Indian community. He met with international students studying Hindi, interacted with them in their language, and took photos. PM Modi also visited the Ukraine National Museum, where he was greeted by President Zelenskyy. Together, they visited the museum’s Martyrologist Exposition section, where PM Modi paid tribute to the Ukrainian children who lost their lives due to the Russian invasion.
Later, at the Mariinskyi Palace, PM Modi and President Zelenskyy held a bilateral meeting. Before the meeting, PM Modi presented four BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri) Cubes to President Zelenskyy and other high-ranking officials. These portable medical units are designed to provide emergency care in disaster-stricken areas, making them valuable in conflict zones like Ukraine.
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced that the two leaders discussed various aspects of India-Ukraine relations, including trade, defense, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and education. PM Modi shared his views on resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy and expressed India’s willingness to contribute to restoring peace.
PM Modi concluded his official visit to Ukraine and departed for India on the evening of August 23, 2024, completing a significant and historic diplomatic journey.
