Missile Strike on Russia Before Modi’s Ukraine Visit: First PM in 45 Years to Tour Poland & Ukraine
The Russia-Ukraine war is becoming increasingly aggressive. Until now, Russia was the aggressor, but now Ukraine has become more aggressive. Ukraine has taken control of areas on Russia’s borders and has destroyed three bridges over a river with continuous missile attacks. Previously, two major bridges were destroyed, but now, as Modi embarks on his visit to Poland and Ukraine, Ukraine has continued its missile strikes on Russia.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Statement Before His Visit to Poland and Ukraine
Before starting his visit to Poland and Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made this statement. PM Modi said, “I am officially visiting Poland and Ukraine. My visit coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Poland. Poland is our economic partner in Central Europe.” It is noteworthy that three Prime Ministers, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Morarji Desai, have visited Poland. Now, after 45 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to Poland.
Regarding His Ukraine Visit, PM Modi Said
Regarding his visit to Ukraine, PM Modi said that he is eager to share his views with President Zelensky on a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict. According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, PM Modi will be on an official visit to Poland from August 21 to 23. PM Modi will depart for Ukraine by train on August 23.
Modi to Meet the Polish President, Prime Minister, and the Indian Community in Poland
This visit is happening at a time when 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries are being completed. PM Modi will first be welcomed in Warsaw, the capital of Poland. Afterward, he will meet Polish President Andrzej Sebastian Duda and then hold bilateral talks with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
The Prime Minister will also meet with the Indian community in Poland. Around 25,000 people of the Indian community reside in Poland, including approximately 5,000 students.PM Modi May Also Visit Memorials of the Maharajas of Jamnagar and Kolhapur
PM Modi may also visit the memorials of the Maharajas of Jamnagar and Kolhapur, which symbolize the historic ties between India and Poland. Maharaja Jam Saheb Digvijaysinhji had provided shelter to thousands of Polish refugees during World War II.
Ukraine Fires Missiles on Russia Before Modi’s Visit, Destroying Three Bridges
Ukraine has blown up another important bridge in Russia’s Kursk with a bomb. Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleschuk has also released a video about it on social media. He said that this bridge holds great strategic importance. After its destruction, Russia’s supply line will be significantly affected. This is the third bridge in Russia that has been destroyed by Ukraine. Two days ago, Ukrainian forces destroyed another bridge in Glushkovo, Kursk. According to Reuters, this bridge was built over the Seim River, 15 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
However, Russian Telegram channels claimed that three bridges over the Seim River in the village of Kursk were attacked. According to Russian Mesh News, there were three bridges in Kursk, and now only one bridge remains.
Trade Between Poland and India Has Increased
It is expected that trade between India and Poland will reach $5.72 billion in 2023. From 2013 to 2023, trade between the two countries increased by 192%. In 2023, India exported $3.95 billion and imported $1.76 billion from Poland.
India has more than $3 billion invested in Poland. Indian IT companies employ nearly 10,000 people in Poland. At the same time, Poland has invested $685 million in India.
India engages in defense trade with Poland, including deals for helicopters, aircraft parts, and other army hardware. The Polish company Bumar Labedy played a significant role in upgrading India’s T-72 tanks. The armies of both countries have also conducted several joint exercises.
India and Poland have signed several agreements in the energy and technology sectors. Recently, Himachal Futuristic Communications Limited (HFCL) announced an investment plan of Rs. 144 crores for an optical fiber plant.
Next year, Poland is set to become the president of the European Union Council, making it politically significant within the European Union as well.
Polish Ambassador Says – India is the Voice of the World
Regarding PM Modi’s visit to Poland, Polish Ambassador Sebastian Domżalski said, “India is the voice of the world. Modi’s visit will send a powerful message internationally that India stands for peace. During his visit, discussions on technology, defense, and security will be important topics.”
The first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, visited Poland on June 25, 1955. After that, Indira Gandhi visited Poland on October 8, 1967. Then, Morarji Desai became the last Indian Prime Minister to visit Poland on June 14, 1979. Now, after 45 years, Modi is going there.
PM Modi to Visit Ukraine on August 23
After visiting Poland, Modi will go to Ukraine on August 23. He will travel from Poland to Ukraine by train. His visit is considered significant amid the Russia-Ukraine war. Ukrainian President Zelensky had invited PM Modi to visit Ukraine.
Ukraine became an independent country in 1991. Since then, no Indian Prime Minister has visited the country. Earlier, PM Modi had also visited Russia on July 8 and 9.
PM Modi’s visit is taking place at a time when Ukraine has started attacking the Russian border in recent days. Ukraine has taken control of some areas of Russia. There are fears that Russia may launch a major attack on Ukraine soon.
