But On the eve of his visit to UkrainePrime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that India is a supporter of peace in the region. He reiterated that “this is not the era of war” and any conflict should be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue.
Addressing the Indian community in the Polish capital, Modi said that for decades, India’s policy has been to maintain distance from all countries. But today’s India’s policy is to stay close to all countries. He also raised slogans of Modi-Modi.
“India is the land of the legacy of Lord Buddha. Therefore, India is a supporter of lasting peace in the region. India’s vision is clear – this is not an era of war… India believes in dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflict,” Mr Modi told the gathering.
His remarks came ahead of his visit to Kyiv – the first by an Indian prime minister to Ukraine since the country gained independence in 1991.
Mr Modi, who is visiting Ukraine at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelensky, has said he will share his views on a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict with the Ukrainian leader.
His visit to Kyiv comes nearly six weeks after his tour. High-profile visit to MoscowWhich was criticized by America and some of its Western allies.
Mr Modi said, “Today’s India wants to connect with everyone. Today’s India talks about development for all. Today’s India is with everyone and thinks about the interests of everyone.”
He said that whenever any country faces a crisis, India is the first to extend a helping hand. He said, “When Covid came, India said – humanity comes first. We sent medicines and vaccines to more than 150 countries of the world. Wherever there is an earthquake or any disaster, India has only one mantra – humanity comes first.”
Mr Modi said India’s entire focus is on quality manufacturing and quality manpower, which is very important for the global supply chain. “In Budget 2024, we have focused a lot on ensuring skills of youth and job creation, and we want to make India a hub of education, research and innovation,” he said.
Packed hall at diaspora event in Warsaw | Photo courtesy: Dinakar Peri
Mr Modi recalled that when earthquake struck Gujarat two decades ago, Poland was one of the first countries to provide assistance.
He said, “The people of Poland have given a lot of love and respect to Jam Saheb and his family members and the Good Maharaja Square is a testimony to this. Today, I have visited the Dobri Maharaja Memorial and the Kolhapur Memorial. On this occasion, I would like to announce that India has decided to launch the Jam Saheb Memorial Youth Affairs Programme.”
Under this programme, India will invite 20 Polish youth to visit India every year.
Mr Modi said he also paid Tribute at the Monte Cassino memorialHe said, “This is a proof of how Indians have performed their duty in every corner of the world.”
The Prime Minister said that 21st century India is moving ahead on the path of development, proud of its values and heritage.
He said, “We Indians are known for our efforts, actions and empathy. Wherever we go, we Indians can be seen putting in maximum effort. Be it entrepreneurship, caregivers or our service sector, Indians are making the country proud with their efforts.”
Mr Modi said India and Poland have many similarities. “One of those similarities is democracy. India is not only the mother of democracy, but also a participatory and vibrant democracy. The people of India have great faith in democracy, and this was clearly seen in the recent (Lok Sabha) elections,” he said, highlighting that these elections were the largest in history.
He said, “Recently elections were held in the European Union in which 18 crore voters participated. In India this number was 64 crore.”
Mr Modi said he has promised that India will become the third largest economy of the world in his third term.
Addressing the gathering, he said, “NASSCOM estimates that India will become a trillion dollar economy by the end of this decade because of its digital infrastructure.”
He said India’s knowledge is global and its outlook is global. “We have considered the whole world as one family and this is reflected in the policies and decisions of India today,” he said.
He said that balance between economy and ecology is India’s priority today.
He said, “It is only India which is moving ahead with both the resolutions of being a developed nation and a net zero nation.”
He also said that India will soon establish its own space station.
Mr Modi thanked the people of Poland for their warm welcome. “There has been a lot of talk in the media about Poland and its people in the last one week. It has also been said that this is the first time in 45 years that an Indian Prime Minister is visiting Poland,” he said.
He thanked the Polish Government for its cooperation during Operation Ganga, especially for granting visa exemption to Indians.
Shri Modi also praised the achievements of the Polish Kabaddi team.