Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Poland and Ukraine was a significant step in India's diplomatic engagements in Central and Eastern Europe. Before his departure, Prime Minister Modi said, "My visit to Poland comes as we mark 70 years of our diplomatic relations. Poland is a key economic partner in Central Europe. Our mutual commitment to democracy and pluralism further reinforces our relationship."

The visit to Ukraine being the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to that country after diplomatic relations were established in 1992, Prime Minister Modi said, "I look forward to the opportunity to build upon earlier conversations with President Zelenskyy on strengthening bilateral cooperation and share perspectives on peaceful resolution of the ongoing Ukraine conflict. As a friend and partner, we hope for an early return of peace and stability in the region."

Prime Minister Modi's visit to Ukraine was the first-ever by an Indian Prime Minister since diplomatic relations were established in 1992, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and discussing peaceful resolutions to the Ukraine conflict

Prime Minister Modi has to walk a tight rope balancing between the US and China. When Modi visit to Russia in July, 2024 for the 22nd India–Russia Annual Summit and President Vladimir Putin conferred Russia's highest civilian honour the "Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle" on him, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on X: "It is a huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts to see the leader of the world's largest democracy (Prime Minister Modi) hug the world's most bloody criminal (President Putin) in Moscow on such a day."

The US was also riled with Prime Minister Modi's Russia visit because it snubbed US calls to isolate President Putin and Russia. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Donald Lu told US lawmakers at a Congressional hearing, "The United States is disappointed about the symbolism and timing of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Russia visit at a time when it hosted the NATO summit here." The US also mounted pressure on India by reiterating the issue of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who according to a new input may have engineered the attack on himself. The delay in supplies of the GE 404 engines to India may also be part of pressure tactics.

Modi's visit to Poland-Ukraine before visiting the US in September 2024 was timed well for balancing the ties with Russia and the US although he had to undertake a 20-hour plus round trip by train from Poland to Kyiv due to restrictions on air travel because of the war.

During the visit to Poland, India and Poland upgraded their relationship to a Strategic Partnership, with discussions covering bilateral relations, the war in Ukraine, and enhanced cooperation in trade, defence, and education

On August 22, Prime Minister Modi visited Poland on the invitation of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. He called on President Andrzej Sebastian Duda of Poland. The leaders held discussions on aspects of bilateral relations, plus global issues, including the war in Ukraine. They welcomed the upgrading of the India-Poland relations to Strategic Partnership. Prime Minister Modi thanked Polish assistance during evacuation of Indian citizens from Ukraine during Operation 'Ganga' and invited them to visit India.

The Indian community in Poland is around 25,000 including some 5,000 students. Indo-Polish cultural ties are long-standing. During World War II, more than 6,000 Polish women and children found refuge in two princely states in India, Jamnagar and Kolhapur. In Warsaw, Modi also interacted with the Indian community, some select Polish business leaders and prominent Indologists. He also paid tribute at the Jam Saheb of Nawanagar Memorial in Warsaw that commemorate the special episodes of Jamnagar and Kolhapur.

Poland, sixth largest economy within the European Union, is India's largest trading partner in Central and Eastern Europe. Indian investments into Poland are estimated at $3 billion while Polish investments in India are around $1 billion. The NATO Multinational Corps Northeast is located at Szczecin in Poland and Poland acts as the main conduit for US-NATO-EU aid, weapons and equipment for Ukraine especially when being inducted by rail or road.

India and Ukraine inked four agreements to strengthen cooperation in key areas such as defence, trade, pharmaceuticals, green energy, and education, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to further elevate bilateral ties

Prime Minister Modi next visited Ukraine on August 23 at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelensky. The visit was at a time when Ukraine's Kursk offensive into Russia was ongoing. Modi and Zelenskyy had earlier met in June 2024 on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Apulia. India also attended the Summit for Peace in Ukraine, hosted by Switzerland, in June this year. India has provided several consignments of humanitarian assistance to Ukraine since March 2022, financial assistance for reconstruction and refurbishment of a school, and also for training of teachers.

President Zelenskyy embraced Prime Minister Modi before they started talks on August 23 at the Marinskyi presidential palace. Zelensky said Modi's visit to Ukraine was "very friendly" and "historic". In their wide-ranging talks, the two leaders expressed mutual interest in working towards elevating the ties from a comprehensive partnership to a strategic one. India and Ukraine inked four agreements and resolved to enhance their cooperation in a range of key areas including defence, trade, pharmaceuticals, green energy and education with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to further develop bilateral ties.

President Zelensky described his meeting with Prime Minister Modi as 'very good' and 'historic,' emphasising that if India changes its attitude towards Russia, it could influence the end of the Ukraine war

A statement issued said, "The leaders discussed enhancement of cooperation in areas such as trade and commerce, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, defence, education, science and technology, and culture, apart from exploring a stronger partnership in domains such as digital public infrastructure, industry, manufacturing, green energy etc. Both leaders directed the co-chairs of the Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC) to explore all possible ways to not only restore bilateral trade and economic relations to pre-conflict levels but expand and deepen them further. They also emphasised importance of enhancing ease of doing business for mutual economic activities and investments, apart from removing any impediments for greater trade.

Defence cooperation between India and Ukraine is set to strengthen further. Both leaders have agreed to enhance this relationship through joint collaborations and partnerships. The upcoming 2nd meeting of the Indian-Ukrainian Joint Working Group on Military-Technical Cooperation will play a crucial role. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said during a press briefing that the discussions between Modi and Zelenskyy focused significantly on peace. A Joint Communiqué on a Peace Framework from the summit provides a basis for advancing dialogue and diplomacy. The Ukrainian side has welcomed India's participation and underscored the need for continued high-level engagement in future peace initiatives.

Most significantly, in an hour-long interaction with the visiting Indian media, President Zelensky described his meeting with Prime Minister Modi "very good" and "historic". On the top issues during talks, he said, was India's oil purchases from Russia. Describing India as a "big country" with a "big influence" on the Russian economy, Zelensky said if India and Indians "change their attitude" towards Russia, the war will end because Russian President Vladimir Putin will end it. He was talking of India's "record breaking" deals for oil from Russia.

Whether Zelensky discussed the above with Modi also is not known but in talking to the Indian media, he acted as the mouthpiece of the US. In appreciation, the US announced another $125 million worth of weapons and ammunition (including air defence systems, missiles and bombs) to Ukraine immediately after Modi left Kyiv.