Ahead of his momentous trip to Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a powerful peace statement from Poland, emphasising that “this is not an era of war” and urging negotiation as a means of resolving disputes. In his speech to the Indian diaspora in Warsaw, Prime Minister Modi underlined India’s position as a peace advocate, saying that the country is steadfast in its support of communication and mutual understanding in these turbulent times.
India’s Change in Policy
Modi emphasised how India’s foreign policy has changed over time, going from a position of intentionally severing ties with other nations to one in which it now actively attempts to forge connections with all of them. Amidst cries of “Modi-Modi” from the assembled crowd, he declared, “For decades, India had a policy of maintaining distance from all countries, but the policy of today’s India is to remain close to all.”
India’s Empathy-Based Identity
One of the fundamental characteristics that characterise India and its people, the Prime Minister emphasised, is empathy. He highlighted India’s involvement in humanitarian operations around the world, pointing out that it was one among the first nations to provide relief in times of need, like the Covid-19 pandemic. India upholds the Buddha’s teachings of nonviolence and peace. We are peace champions in this region, and it is obvious that now is not the time for conflict,” Modi stated, calling for cooperation in the face of pressing global issues.
An Important Visit to Ukraine
The speech was given in advance of Modi’s impending visit to Ukraine, which will be the first for an Indian prime minister since the nation’s independence in 1991. He is scheduled to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine to discuss India’s views on resolving the current crisis peacefully with Russia.
The visit comes six weeks after Modi’s well-publicized visit to Russia, which attracted criticism from the US and a few of its Western friends. Modi has reaffirmed, meanwhile, that India wants to communicate with all parties and advance peace.
Praise for Poland’s Indian Community
Modi thanked the Polish Indian community during his speech for helping Indian students who were stuck in Ukraine when the conflict broke out in 2022. He thanked the Polish government for helping the students and removing the limitations on visas.
“You aided Indian students who were imprisoned in Ukraine by opening their houses and hosting langars. On behalf of the people of India, Modi thanked the Polish people and government for removing the visa requirements for our students. “Today, when I meet those students, they speak highly of your support,” Modi said.
A Grateful Democratic Past
Modi also used the occasion to consider India’s democratic principles, referring to it as the “mother of democracy.” He compared the unprecedented voter turnout in India’s most recent elections to that of the European Union. “India is not just the birthplace of democracy, but it is also a dynamic and participatory democracy,” Modi declared, praising the confidence Indian voters have in the political system.
