PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Polish leaders on Thursday (Aug 22) during a rare visit, just one day before his anticipated trip to Ukraine – a historic first for both nations.

PM Modi’s tour comes weeks after he travelled to Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a symbolic first bilateral visit of the Indian prime minister’s new term.

Addressing the members of the Indian diaspora in Warsaw after his arrival on Tuesday (Aug 20), Modi said India is stressing upon“diplomacy and dialogue.”

“India’s view is very clear – this is not the era of war,” Modi said, adding that the country was a “big advocate of permanent peace in this region.”

“This is the time to unite to deal with the challenges which pose the greatest threat to humanity,” he said.

Modi's planned meetings this week—with leaders from Poland, a key NATO member, on Thursday, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday—occur at a critical juncture in the war.

Earlier this month, Ukrainian forces initiated an exceptional offensive into Russian territory, nearly two and a half years after Moscow's invasion.

India has repetitively called for a ceasefire in Ukraine, but refrained from condemning Russia’s assault as it seeks to maintain relations with Moscow – a long-standing partner it sees as key to balancing a strained relationship with China.

In Poland, Modi met with President Andrzej Duda and participated in discussions with Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The talks were expected to center on strengthening cooperation and addressing "regional and global issues of mutual interest," according to India’s Foreign Ministry. This marked the first visit by an Indian prime minister to the Eastern European country in 45 years.

Modi is expected to meet Zelensky and hold discussions on what India’s foreign ministry described as “the entire gamut of bilateral relations,” including economic ties, infrastructure and defense.

(With inputs from agencies)