Significance of PM Modi's visit to Ukraine..by KBS Sidhu

Looking Beyond the Hype and the Headlines

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ukraine is a landmark event with far-reaching implications for India-Ukraine relations and India's foreign policy. This visit, being the first by an Indian head of state to Ukraine since its independence in 1991, underscores a significant shift in India's diplomatic focus and highlights its growing interest in Eastern Europe.

1. Historical Importance: This visit marks the first time an Indian Prime Minister has visited Ukraine, signalling a clear intent to strengthen diplomatic ties and enhance cooperation between the two countries. This historic event comes after more than three decades of Ukraine's independence, illustrating a renewed focus on bilateral relations.
2. Symbolic Timing and Support: By choosing to visit Ukraine on the eve of its Independence Day, Prime Minister Modi sends a strong message of solidarity and support for Ukraine's sovereignty. This timing not only symbolises India's recognition of Ukraine's independence but also its support amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.
3. Diplomatic Balancing Act: The visit exemplifies India's strategic approach to balancing its relationships with global powers. Amidst tensions between Russia and the West, India is positioning itself as a key player capable of engaging with both sides, thereby enhancing its diplomatic leverage.

Diplomatic Implications of the Visit

The diplomatic implications of Prime Minister Modi's visit to Ukraine are significant, signalling a shift in India's foreign policy and its increasing involvement in European affairs:

1. Active Role in European Affairs: By engaging directly with Ukraine, India is asserting its intention to play a more active role in European politics and global conflicts. This move is a departure from India's traditional stance of non-alignment and reflects its desire to be seen as a global leader with a nuanced understanding of international dynamics.
2. Navigating Complex Geopolitics: The visit demonstrates India's ability to navigate complex geopolitical waters, balancing its relationships with Russia, Ukraine, and Western nations. This diplomatic finesse is crucial as India seeks to maintain its strategic autonomy while expanding its influence on the global stage.
3. Influence on the Global South: President Zelenskyy of Ukraine has expressed hope that Prime Minister Modi's visit will help sway opinion in the Global South, which has largely remained neutral in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. India's engagement with Ukraine could influence other countries in the Global South to reconsider their positions, potentially shifting the diplomatic landscape.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations Through Agreements and MOUs

Prime Minister Modi's visit to Ukraine has significantly bolstered bilateral relations, resulting in several key agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) that pave the way for deeper cooperation:

1. Strategic Partnership Agreement: Both nations have agreed to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership. This agreement signals a commitment to long-term collaboration in various fields, including defence, economic cooperation, and political engagement, marking a new chapter in India-Ukraine relations.
2. Agricultural Cooperation: One of the key agreements focuses on agricultural cooperation, which includes the sharing of technology and best practices, enhancing productivity, and boosting trade in agricultural commodities. This agreement is particularly significant given Ukraine's status as a major agricultural producer and India's need to ensure food security.
3. Humanitarian Assistance and Cultural Cooperation: Another important MOU signed during the visit involves humanitarian assistance and cultural cooperation. This includes joint initiatives for cultural exchange, preservation of heritage, and collaboration in humanitarian aid, reflecting a commitment to building people-to-people ties and fostering mutual understanding.
4. Pharmaceutical Standards and Healthcare: An agreement on pharmaceutical standards was also signed, aimed at aligning regulatory frameworks and promoting cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector. This agreement has the potential to boost trade in pharmaceuticals and enhance healthcare outcomes in both countries, given India's robust pharmaceutical industry and Ukraine's healthcare needs.
5. Defence and Security Collaboration: There is a renewed focus on rebooting economic and defence ties, with discussions on enhancing defence cooperation and exploring opportunities for joint ventures in the defence sector. This move could open new avenues for trade and strategic collaboration, further strengthening bilateral ties.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite the positive outcomes of the visit, there are several challenges and criticisms that need to be addressed:

1. Concerns Over Recent Moscow Visit: Prime Minister Modi's recent visit to Moscow and his meeting with President Putin have drawn criticism from Ukraine. This may continue to cast a shadow over the current visit, raising questions about India's stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its ability to maintain impartiality.
2. Neutrality vs. Explicit Support: While India has reiterated its support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, its stance of neutrality and reluctance to explicitly condemn Russia's actions remains a contentious issue. This ambiguity may affect India's credibility and its ability to influence the international community on matters of sovereignty and aggression. “We are on the side of peace” may turn out to be a quotable quote but it may not be able to secure a deep commitment from Ukraine.
3. Implementation of Agreements: The effectiveness of the visit will ultimately depend on how well the agreements and MOUs are implemented. There is a need for concrete actions and tangible outcomes to ensure that the commitments made during the visit translate into real benefits for both countries.

Looking Ahead

Prime Minister Modi's visit to Ukraine represents a significant diplomatic initiative by India, reflecting its growing global influence and its desire to play a more proactive role in international affairs.

The visit has strengthened India-Ukraine ties, resulting in several key agreements and MOUs that open new avenues for cooperation.

However, the real test will lie in the implementation of these agreements and India's ability to navigate the complexities of international diplomacy, maintaining a delicate balance between various global powers while advancing its national interests¹. It’s not the end, not even the beginning of the end; it’s just the end of the beginning.

August 24, 2024