PM Modi to pitch for talks, diplomacy in meet with Zelenskyy

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pitch for dialogue and diplomacy during his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Friday. The PM had taken a similar approach when he met the Russian President in Moscow early July. India favours talks, which involve participation of all sides, for lasting peace.

During the PM's 6-7 hour Kyiv trip, which will be watched closely across the world capitals, pacts on cultural exchanges and student issues are expected to be concluded. Kyiv will share its perspective on the Russo-Ukrainian conflict.

On Wednesday, upon reaching Poland, Modi paid tributes at The Dobry Maharaja Memorial in Warsaw, honouring the Jamsaheb of Nawanagar who had given refuge to Poles during the WW II.


"PM @narendramodi paid tribute at The Dobry Maharaja Memorial in Warsaw, honouring the Jamsaheb of Nawanagar Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja's remarkable act of kindness during World War II. The story of the 'Dobry (Good) Maharaja' is one of the most evocative chapters in the relations between India and Poland. This moving tribute to the compassion of the Maharaja continues to have a lasting impact on India-Poland ties," MEA spokesperson Randheer Jaiswal wrote on X.

The memorial is dedicated to Jamsaheb Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji, a former Maharaja of Nawanagar (now Jamnagar). In 1942, the Maharaja established the Polish Children's Camp in Jamnagar for refugee Polish children who were brought out of the USSR during World War II.

Jaiswal further wrote, "PM @narendramodi paid tribute at the Kolhapur Memorial in Warsaw today. The monument honours the generosity of the state of Kolhapur in Maharashtra that had given shelter to Polish women and children during World War II. It continues to illuminate the deep and enduring friendship & togetherness between India and Poland."

FROM NAM TO Multi-alignment
Addressing the Indian diaspora in Warsaw, Modi said that from the policy of non-alignment India has moved to a multi-alignment policy. Without referring to former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina taking refuge in India, the PM said India has given space to people refused by others.

The Indian PM will engage with top Polish leadership on Thursday to expand partnership in the field of IT, technology, mines and investments. "My visit to Poland comes as we mark 70 years of our diplomatic relations. Poland is a key economic partner in Central Europe," he said.

The PM will travel to Kyiv from Poland in a 'Rail Force One' train that will take around 10 hours.