Modi, Zelenskyy, Putin: Six weeks, two hugs and an end to Russia-Ukraine war?

New Delhi: In a diplomatic move that has caught the world's attention, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's gestures during visits to Russia and Ukraine have become symbols of India's attempt to balance relations with two conflicting nations. Six weeks apart, two distinct hugs have sent waves through the international community, with each embrace carrying significant political weight.

PM Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin

In Moscow, six weeks ago, PM Modi shared a firm handshake and hug with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The image of the two leaders standing side by side sparked criticism from the West and Ukraine, especially as it occurred amid the ongoing Russian assault on Ukraine.

However, on Friday, Modi's visit to Ukraine, the first by an Indian Prime Minister, marked a significant shift in optics. This time, he was seen warmly embracing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, even placing a reassuring hand on Zelenskyy’s shoulder as they visited a memorial dedicated to children who lost their lives in the war.

Is India suporting Ukraine?

This gesture of solidarity with Ukraine is widely seen as Modi’s way of expressing India’s support amid Russia’s relentless assault, now entering its third year. The moment was an emotional one for Zelenskyy, who was visibly moved as the two leaders toured Ukraine’s war-torn Martyrologist Exposition.

The timing of this visit was particularly poignant, as it came after Modi's controversial trip to Moscow. That trip, marked by a friendly meeting with Putin, did not sit well with Western nations. U.S. Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, expressed concern, warning that India’s relationship with the U.S. should not be "taken for granted."

Zelenskyy was even more direct, stating his disappointment in seeing the leader of the world’s largest democracy embracing "the world's most bloody criminal" during his Moscow trip. This visit also coincided with a bombing of a children’s hospital in Kyiv, further fueling tensions.

Contrasting optics: Moscow vs Kyiv

The optics of Modi’s visits to Moscow and Kyiv could not have been more different. In Moscow, Modi paid respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier but did not visit any memorials for Russian soldiers who had fallen in the war. In contrast, his visit to Ukraine was marked by a deeply symbolic stop at the Martyrologist Exposition, dedicated to the memory of children who had perished in the conflict. During this visit, Modi placed a toy at the memorial as a gesture of sorrow for the young lives lost.

A crowd had gathered at the memorial site, with many holding placards that read, "Ancient India should save the world," a nod to India’s long-standing image as a peace-loving nation.

Balancing diplomatic ties

PM Modi's visits to both Russia and Ukraine highlight India’s delicate balancing act on the global stage. While India has refrained from condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it has consistently emphasized the importance of respecting territorial integrity and national sovereignty. These diplomatic gestures reflect India’s broader effort to maintain strategic autonomy amidst the growing divide between global powers.

During his Moscow visit, PM Modi was treated to a warm reception, including a personal tour by President Putin, who drove Modi around in a golf cart at his dacha. Social media users noted that Modi was received by Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, a higher-level official than the one who greeted Chinese President Xi Jinping during a recent visit.

India’s careful diplomacy reflects its effort to balance relationships with both Russia and the West while asserting its independent foreign policy stance.