Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian diaspora in Warsaw, stating that for decades, India followed a policy of maintaining distance from other countries.
Ahead of his landmark visit to Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India’s support for peace in the volatile region. On Wednesday, he reiterated that “this is not an era of war” and stressed that conflicts should be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue.
Speaking to the Indian diaspora in Warsaw, PM Narendra Modi noted that for decades, India maintained a policy of distance from other countries. However, he added, today’s India aims to stay close to all nations, amid chants of “Modi-Modi.”
During his visit to Poland, PM Narendra Modi stated, “Empathy is a defining trait of Indians. Whenever there is trouble in any country, India is among the first to offer assistance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, India prioritized humanity. India supports citizens of other nations and follows Buddha’s tradition of peace rather than war. As an advocate of peace, India believes that this is not the time for conflict. We must unite to address challenges and focus on diplomacy and dialogue.”
Modi’s statement comes ahead of his trip to Kyiv, marking the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Ukraine since its independence in 1991.
Invited by President Volodymyr Zelensky, Modi has indicated that he will discuss peaceful resolution strategies for the ongoing conflict with the Ukrainian leader.
This visit follows Modi’s high-profile trip to Russia nearly six weeks earlier, which drew criticism from the US and some Western allies.
“Today’s India seeks to connect with everyone. It advocates for the development of all and is committed to considering the interests of all,” Modi told the Indian diaspora.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Poland marks the first trip by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in the past 45 years.
During his visit, Modi praised members of the Indian community for their efforts in assisting Indian students who were stranded in Ukraine when the war began in 2022. He also expressed gratitude to the Polish government for easing visa restrictions and welcoming Indian students.
“You helped Indian students stranded in Ukraine, opening your homes and organizing support. The Polish government also removed visa restrictions, wholeheartedly welcoming our students. Today, when I meet Indian students who have returned from Ukraine, they speak highly of your support and the Polish government’s generosity. On behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, I extend my congratulations and salute to all of you, as well as to the Polish government and people,” Modi said.
Commenting on the recent elections in India, Modi remarked, “India is not only the mother of democracy but also a participatory and vibrant one. The people of India have steadfast faith in democracy, as demonstrated in the recent elections. This was the largest election in history. While 180 million voters participated in recent elections within the European Union, India saw three times that number, with 640 million voters casting their ballots.”
