Modi's Ukraine Visit Raises Questions About Support for Putin

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Kyiv comes in the wake of his controversial meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which drew criticism from Western nations and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky described the Moscow meeting as a "huge disappointment" that undermined peace efforts. Analysts suggest that Modi's trip is primarily aimed at reassuring India's Western allies, who were unsettled by the optics of the earlier summit, especially as it coincided with airstrikes in Ukraine. Strategic experts view the visit as a form of "strategic signaling" to the West, particularly Europe, which has expressed growing criticism of India's foreign policy. Chietigj Bajpaee from Chatham House emphasized that the trip serves to reinforce India's commitment to its Western partners while potentially enhancing defense cooperation with Ukraine, which has been supplying spare parts for Indian warships. Swaran Singh, a professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University, argues that Modi's visit is not merely a reaction to the Moscow meeting but a demonstration of India's strategic autonomy. He posits that the timing of the visit, coinciding with Ukraine's National Day, sends a clear message of support for Ukraine's independence. Singh also suggests that India could act as a conduit for communication between Moscow and Kyiv, although he cautions against overestimating India's potential role in mediation. Despite the diplomatic overtures, experts believe that India's fundamental ties with Russia will remain unchanged. The West may attempt to frame Modi's visit as a victory influenced by their pressure, but the underlying dynamics of India's foreign policy are expected to remain consistent.