Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to visit Ukraine for the first time after its invasion with Russia two years ago. His visit to the country was confirmed by the Foreign Ministry of India.  

Notably, this visit comes after his previous visit to Russia and meeting with the President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on July 8. Their meeting highlighted the importance of maintaining strong ties with Moscow, despite the ongoing global conflicts. 

PM Narendra Modi’s Recent Meeting with Vladimir Putin 

During the meeting, PM Modi stressed upon deepening their special and privileged strategic relationship between India and Russia. Both the officials, also exchanged several dialogues and held discussions on issues, related to enhancing their bilateral ties, securing energy supplies, as Russia is a significant supplier of oil to India. 

Further, this visit also focused on continuing defense cooperation, with Russia being a major arms supplier to India. The Indian Prime Minister’s visit was also seen as a move to maintain and balance his relationship with the nation, amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.  

PM Modi’s visit to Ukraine 

Meanwhile, PM Modi is anticipated to reach Ukraine between August 21 and 23. The other details of his visit are expected to arrive shortly. He is expected to arrive in the city of Kyiv— the Capital and most populous city of Ukraine. 

India’s Relationship with Russia and Ukraine 

Following the Ukraine’s invasion in 2022, several western countries have imposed sanctions on Moscow, however countries like India, China remained neutral and continued to trade with it.  

India refrained itself from blaming Russia, urging other neighboring countries to ceasefire and resolve their conflict through dialogue exchange and diplomacy.  

India’s Trade with Russia 

It is to be noted that both Russia and India have been long-term partners, since October 2000, “Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership”. This agreement was signed during the President Putin’s visit to India. This marks a significant milestone in the bilateral ties between the two countries, enhancing cooperation in the fields of Political, Defense, Science and Technology, Economy and Trade etc.

During the fiscal year, 2022-23, the bilateral trade between the countries amounted to $49.36 billion. The Indian exports to Russia were valued $3.14 billion while imports from Russia were valued at $46.21 Billion. The key exports from India to Russia include pharmaceuticals products, organic chemicals, iron, steel and marine products. India’s substantial imports from Russia include coal, petroleum, fertilizers and other precious stones.  

India’s Trade with Ukraine 

India is Ukraine’s largest export destination in the Asia Pacific and the fifth largest overall export destination. Major exports from India are pharmaceutical products, reactors/boiler machinery, mechanical appliances, oil seeds, fruits, coffee, tea, spices, iron and steel etc. India’s major import from Ukraine is sunflower oil, followed by inorganic chemicals, iron and steel, plastics, chemicals, etc.