Warsaw: Ahead of his historic first visit to Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s strong stance on peace, emphasizing that “this is not an era of war” and that conflicts must be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue. He highlighted India’s commitment to permanent peace in the region during an address to the Indian diaspora in the Polish capital on Wednesday evening.
Modi also noted a shift in India’s foreign policy, stating that while India once maintained distance from other countries, it now seeks closer ties with all nations. His remarks were met with enthusiastic chants of “Modi-Modi” from the crowd.
“India is an advocate of permanent peace in this region. Our stand is very clear – this isn’t an era of war. This is the time to come together against those challenges which threaten humanity. Therefore, India believes in diplomacy and dialogue,” Modi told the gathering.
Modi’s visit to Ukraine, at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, marks the first time an Indian prime minister will set foot in Kyiv since Ukraine gained independence in 1991. He plans to discuss with Zelenskyy India’s perspectives on a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
This visit follows Modi’s recent high-profile trip to Moscow and his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which drew criticism from the U.S. and some Western allies.
While addressing the diaspora in Warsaw, Modi praised their role in strengthening India-Poland ties and lauded their contributions to Operation Ganga, India’s evacuation mission that rescued its citizens stranded in neighboring countries of Ukraine following the 2022 Russian invasion.
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“Today’s India wants to connect with all. Today’s India talks about the development of all. Today’s India is with all and thinks about the interests of all,” Modi said. He also reiterated India’s commitment to extending a helping hand during crises, saying, “Wherever in the world there is an earthquake or disaster, India’s mantra is clear – Humanity first.”
Modi’s visit to Poland is the first by an Indian prime minister in 45 years. He expressed excitement about meeting Polish President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Donald Tusk to further strengthen bilateral ties. Modi emphasized the shared democratic values between India and Poland, bringing the two nations closer together.
He also called upon the Indian community in Poland to act as ambassadors for Indian tourism and be part of India’s growth story. To further strengthen ties, Modi announced the launch of the Jamsaheb Memorial Youth Exchange Program, which will invite 20 Polish youths to India each year. He recalled Poland’s assistance during the 2001 Gujarat earthquake as a gesture of lasting friendship.
Reflecting on India’s progress over the past decade, Modi expressed confidence that India would soon become the world’s third-largest economy. He shared his vision of a developed India – Viksit Bharat – by 2047, stressing India’s growing partnership with Poland in new technologies, clean energy, and green growth.
Modi also reaffirmed India’s belief in “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” – the world is one family – which drives the country’s commitment to global well-being and its role as a first responder in humanitarian crises.
