Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming trip to Ukraine is likely aimed at addressing backlash from his recent controversial visit to Russia, as India tries to balance its diplomatic stance, mitigate Western criticism, and reinforce its advocacy for dialogue and peace in the ongoing conflict. On Aug.19, India's Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that Modi will visit Ukraine on Aug. 23 at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelensky. The visit will be the first time an Indian prime minister has traveled to Ukraine since the two countries formally established diplomatic relations in 1992. Modi's trip also follows his July meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, in what was Modi's first official visit to Russia since securing a third term as India's prime minister. Ukraine and its Western allies widely condemned Modi's trip to Moscow, which coincided with deadly Russian attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine, including a children's...
