Congress Criticises PM Modi's Proposed Ukraine Visit: ‘When Will He Address Manipur?’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Ukraine on August 24, coinciding with the country's National Day, amidst domestic criticism over his handling of the ethnic conflict in Manipur. This marks his first visit to Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia and raises questions about India's diplomatic stance and priorities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Ukraine on August 24, coinciding with the country's National Day.

This will be his first visit to Ukraine, which has been embroiled conflict since Russia's invasion in February 2022.

Photo Credit: PTI

Congress communications head Jairam Ramesh questioned whether PM Modi would visit Manipur before or after his trip to Ukraine. He raised this issue on X (formerly Twitter), criticising the prime minister for not addressing the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur.

PM Modi's Visit to Ukraine

The Congress party has consistently criticised PM Modi for not visiting Manipur, where violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities continues. The state is governed by PM Modi's BJP. Ramesh sarcastically referred to the prime minister as a 'deity’ while questioning his priorities.

"The Chief Minister of Manipur attends the NITI Aayog meeting in New Delhi presided over by the self-anointed non-biological PM. Then the Manipur CM attends a meeting of BJP CMs and Deputy CMs presided over by the same deity," Ramesh posted on X.

Criticism from Congress

Ramesh further questioned if Manipur's Chief Minister N. Biren Singh had a one-on-one meeting with PM Modi to discuss the state's situation, which escalated on May 3, 2023. He also asked if Singh invited Modi to visit Manipur either before or after his Ukraine trip.

The upcoming visit to Ukraine would mark PM Modi's first trip to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy since Russia's attack on Ukraine began. Zelenskyy congratulated Modi after he won a third consecutive term in June.

India's Stance on Russia-Ukraine Conflict

During his third term, PM Modi made his first bilateral visit to Russia, which Zelensky described as detrimental to peace efforts. The West has criticised India for continuing oil purchases from Russia despite the ongoing war in Ukraine.

India has also abstained from voting on United Nations resolutions against Russia multiple times. This stance has drawn criticism from Western nations but aligns with India's strategic interests and long-standing ties with Russia.

The situation in Manipur remains tense, with ongoing clashes between different ethnic groups. The Congress party continues to pressurise PM Modi to address domestic issues before focusing on international visits.

This anticipated visit underscores India's complex diplomatic balancing act between maintaining relations with both Russia and Ukraine amidst global tensions.