PM Narendra Modi to Travel on Luxury Rail Service During Ukraine Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ukraine this week is set to last approximately seven hours, with nearly 20 hours spent travelling on a luxury train that has previously ferried world leaders like US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron to Kyiv, according to sources. The visit marks the first by an Indian prime minister to Ukraine since its independence in 1991.

India’s Premier Heads to Kyiv

Modi will arrive in Ukraine on 23 August, marking the first visit by a senior Indian leader since the Russian invasion began in February 2022. After weeks of speculation, India’s external affairs ministry officially announced the visit on Monday. Preparations for the trip, which is considered India’s first visit to an active war zone, began several weeks ago, involving close coordination on security and logistical matters.

The Indian leader is expected to travel on the overnight train dubbed “Rail Force One” after it transported Biden from Przemyśl Główny in Poland to Kyiv in February 2023. Due to Russia’s attack on Ukraine’s power infrastructure, the train now runs on diesel engines, extending the journey time from the Polish border to Kyiv to approximately 10 hours.

Travel Schedule

Modi is set to leave for Ukraine on 22 August after completing official engagements in Poland, the first stop on his two-nation tour. He will reach Kyiv on the morning of 23 August, spend seven hours in Ukraine, and then return to Poland on the same train, operated by Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukrainian Railways).

A Diplomatic Balancing Act

Modi’s visit is viewed as a balancing act, particularly following his recent trip to Moscow for the India-Russia Summit on 8-9 July. That visit had sparked outrage in Western countries as it coincided with a Russian missile strike on a children’s hospital in Kyiv.

During a media briefing, Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said, “This landmark visit takes place against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which will form part of discussions.” Lal, however, declined to discuss the specifics of Modi’s itinerary or confirm whether Modi would propose a peace plan. He did, however, reiterate India’s consistent push for diplomacy and dialogue in resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

India’s Role in Peace Efforts

India, which has maintained a neutral stance, refraining from directly criticising Russia, has played a role in passing messages between Ukraine and Russia. India also participated in the Summit for Peace in Ukraine hosted by Switzerland in June.

“Dialogue is absolutely essential. Lasting peace can only be achieved through options acceptable to both parties and through a negotiated settlement. India remains engaged with all stakeholders,” Lal stated. Modi has previously discussed the war with Russian and Ukrainian leaders, and India is prepared to offer its support for peace efforts.

Ongoing Diplomatic Relations

Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last met at the G7 Summit in Italy in June 2023, with previous meetings taking place at the G7 Summit in Japan last year and COP26 in Glasgow in 2021. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, also visited New Delhi in March to urge India to play a greater role in peace negotiations.

Before the war, bilateral trade between India and Ukraine exceeded $3 billion. India was one of Ukraine’s largest importers of sunflower oil, and the two nations collaborated in sectors like heavy industry, railways, and defence. Following the war’s outbreak, around 18,000 Indian students were evacuated from Ukraine, with about 1,000 still pursuing studies there.

Poland Visit to Strengthen Ties

Modi’s Ukraine visit follows a historic trip to Poland, marking the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Warsaw in 45 years. During this visit, Modi is expected to discuss bolstering defence cooperation and trade relations with Polish leaders, including Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Andrzej Duda.

Trade between the two nations is valued at approximately $6 billion, with India being Poland’s largest trading partner in Central and Eastern Europe. Indian investments in Poland stand at around $3 billion, while Polish investments in India are approximately $1 billion. Poland is home to about 25,000 members of the Indian community, including 5,000 students.