Comparisons they say, are odious, therefore the question: did Poland not merit a standalone Modi visit given its emergence as a major power in Europe (and America’s catspaw)? Add to that a respectably sized population of over 38 million and a decent industrial base.
Was it necessary to tag on Ukraine, a visit that had no worthwhile outcomes notwithstanding a 32-point joint statement?
Or, and this is disturbing, was Ukraine the main purpose and Poland was tagged on (not least because it provided a rail connection to Kyiv?)
If the latter is indeed the case, it begs another question: was the tediously long joint statement and the clutch of four MoUs signed, intended to provide weight to an otherwise empty basket?
A senior former diplomat concurs arguing that the green light for Ukraine would have come from the very top. The buzz doing the rounds is that Modi decided to go to Kyiv and meet Zelenskyy, whom he had met a few times earlier at various fora, and who had invited him over.
There’s also speculation Modi may have been responding to criticism about his visit to Moscow. Images of the hugs, handshakes and strolls around Putin’s dacha are all over on social media.
The diplomat also pointed out that the visit to Kyiv could not be pitched as an exercise in peacemaking.
“The visit coincided with Ukraine’s launch of the offensive in Kursk,” he said, “there’s also the fact this is not about peace between Russia and Ukraine, it’s about peace between Russia and the US. Ukraine owes its war fighting capability largely to US support. The war will end only when Moscow and Washington decide they are done.”
This is known at the highest level of the Indian establishment. The visit took place around the time of the NATO summit. Plenty of people out there in Western capitals would have taken umbrage, more so those who have always found India standing out from the herd, airing views in disagreement with their own.
As it happened, Modi’s instincts appeared to have pointed him in the right direction. The world applauded. Joe Biden called him up on Monday to compliment him. Modi also had the satisfaction of a chat with Putin, and it would seem everything is in order.
There would also appear to be a bonus for India from Modi going to Kyiv. Point 21 in the joint statement says, “The leaders agreed to continue to work towards facilitating a stronger relationship between the defence entities in both countries, including through joint collaborations and partnerships for manufacturing in India and cooperation in other areas.”
An early fallout is the decision on making Ukrainian gas turbines for naval ships. The engines are to be made by a private Indian entity. India is also likely to explore Ukrainian expertise in areas like drones.
What happens now?
“A Zelenskyy visit to Delhi seems unlikely given the war,” said the former diplomat, “his five-year term ended in May this year and an election cannot be held until peace prevails. Assuming the new US president is able to bring peace, Zelenskyy may cease to matter.”
