How Zelensky Targeted PM Modi Over His Bear Hug To Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Moscow, calling it a "huge disappointment and devastating blow to peace efforts." The visit came amidst a backdrop of Russian missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, which killed at least 38 people and injured 190 others.

Zelensky expressed his disappointment through a post on social media, stating that it was "a huge disappointment and devastating blow to peace efforts" to see the leader of the world's largest democracy hug the world's most bloody criminal in Moscow on such a day.

PM Modi's two-day trip to Russia marks his first visit since Putin began his full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly two and a half years ago. The Prime Minister met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at his residence in Novo-Ogaryovo outside Moscow, where they shared a warm hug and engaged in conversations over tea, rode an electric vehicle, and watched a horse show.

It must be noted that PM Modi did not address the strikes while speaking to the Indian diaspora in Moscow, but praised relations between the two countries. He also announced the opening of two new consulates in Russian cities Yekaterinburg and Kazan to "facilitate travel and business."

However, the timing of PM Modi's visit to Moscow is particularly galling for Zelensky because it comes just months after India's decision not to invite Ukraine to the G20 summit. The Ukrainian President had been hoping that India would use its presidency of the G20 to bring countries together to find a peaceful solution to the conflict in Ukraine. Instead, India chose not to invite Ukraine as it is not one of the top 20 economies of the world, while Russia is a founding member.

Meanwhile, India's G20 summit under its presidency was seen as a success, with 112 outcomes and presidency documents covering various topics and sectors. However, India's decision not to invite Ukraine to the summit raised eyebrows, with some seeing it as a sign of support for Russia.

India's Relationship with Ukraine

India has maintained its position of supporting both Russia and Ukraine through diplomatic channels. During the G20 summit, PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with Zelensky, reiterating India's support for a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.

In June 2024, PM Modi met with Zelensky on the margins of the G7 summit, where they discussed ways to find a solution to the conflict. India has also provided humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, including essential medicines and medical equipment.

Saving Indian Students: A Diplomatic Effort

In February 2022, during Russia-Ukraine war, India launched an operation to evacuate Indian students from war-affected areas. PM Modi personally spoke with Putin and Zelenskyy to ensure safe passage for the students. Jaishankar, India's Foreign Secretary, recalled how Modi called Putin twice and Zelenskyy once to ensure the safe evacuation of Indian students from Kharkiv and Sumy.

The first incident involved students from Kharkiv city who were asked to gather at a designated spot. However, Russian forces opened fire on the spot due to a misunderstanding. PM Modi had called Putin, who promised to do something about it. After two hours, the firing stopped.

The second incident was more complex, involving students from Sumy city who were feeling trapped. Jaishankar said that PM Modi called Putin and Zelenskyy again to resolve the situation. Both leaders agreed to provide safe passage for the students.

India's efforts ensured that over 18,000 Indian nationals were evacuated safely from Ukraine during the crisis.

While India has maintained its diplomatic efforts to support both Russia and Ukraine through various channels, Zelensky's criticism of PM Modi over his embrace of Putin has sparked controversy.