PM Modi Arrives In Poland Ahead Of Historic Ukraine Visit With Hopes Of 'Early Return Of Peace'

PM Modi's two-nation visit is taking place from Wednesday, August 21, to August 23.

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In the first leg of the visit, PM Modi will be in Poland on a two-day visit. From the Polish capital Warsaw, PM Modi will travel to Ukraine's Kyiv on a luxury train.

In his departure statement on Wednesday, PM Modi said that from Poland, he "will be visiting Ukraine at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, adding that this is the "first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine."

"I look forward to the opportunity to build upon earlier conversations with President Zelenskyy on strengthening bilateral cooperation and share perspectives on peaceful resolution of the ongoing Ukraine conflict," PM Modi said.

PM Modi added, "As a friend and partner, we hope for an early return of peace and stability in the region."

About his visit to Poland, Modi said the country is a "key economic partner" of India in Central Europe.

"Our mutual commitment to democracy and pluralism further reinforces our relationship. I look forward to meeting my friend Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Andrzej Duda to further advance our partnership," he said.

"I will also engage with the members of the vibrant Indian community in Poland," Modi said.

Modi Lands In Warsaw, First Indian PM To Visit In 45 Years

PM Modi arrived in Warsaw, Poland, becoming the first Indian prime minister to visit the country in 45 years. Before Modi, Moraji Desai had visited the country in 1979.

Modi's visit also comes at a time when India and Poland are marking 70 years of diplomatic relations. On his first day in Poland, the prime minister received a warm welcome from members of the Indian diaspora in Warsaw.

After interacting with members of the Indian community, PGood Maharaja Memorial to pay tribute to the Maharaja Jam Saheb Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja, the ruler of Nawanagar.

After this, the prime minister visited the memorial for the Battle of Monte Cassino, where the Indian army played a crucial role. This was followed by a visit to the Kolhapur memorial to pay tribute to the Royal Family of Kohlapur in Maharashtra.