Through Modi’s landmark visit, India signalled to all stakeholders interested in a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine war that it is prepared to play a role in Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction. Historically, the U.S.-led Western bloc has dominated post-war reconstruction efforts, as seen in countries like Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, and the Central Asian nations that emerged after the USSR's collapse.

New Delhi (ABC Live): On August 23, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a significant visit to Ukraine, where he expressed to President Volodymyr Zelensky his willingness to support the peace process personally.

This visit followed Zelensky's criticism of Modi in July after Modi was seen hugging Russian President Vladimir Putin during a Moscow visit, coinciding with deadly Russian strikes, including one on Kyiv's largest children's hospital. On Friday, Modi again embraced Zelensky, though the gesture seemed somewhat tense, Zelensky possibly frowning due to the sun in his eyes. Smiles were notably rare during their interaction.

India’s approach is not about appeasing Western powers or any other nation. The visit was intended to advance India’s interests by reaffirming its friendship with Kyiv and voicing concerns over the ongoing conflict. The timing of the visit suggests that Indian diplomats considered the sharp U.S. reactions to Modi's Moscow trip. Despite Western frustrations, India has refrained from directly criticizing Russia over the war.

Ukraine sees Modi’s visit as an opportunity to engage with a key ally of Moscow, something it has done little of since the war began. This could reduce Ukraine’s reliance on the U.S.-led Western bloc for resolving the conflict and potentially pave the way toward ending the ongoing war with Russia.

Meanwhile, emerging conflicts in the Middle East, such as the Israel-Hamas and Israel-Iran tensions, have shifted geopolitical focus away from the Russia-Ukraine war. However, this has created a crucial opportunity for behind-the-scenes efforts to resolve the conflict.

Through Modi’s landmark visit, India signalled to all stakeholders interested in a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine war that it is prepared to play a role in Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction. Historically, the U.S.-led Western bloc has dominated post-war reconstruction efforts, as seen in countries like Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, and the Central Asian nations that emerged after the USSR's collapse.

Ukraine faces significant challenges in its reconstruction, with the total cost estimated at around $486 billion over the next decade. In 2024 alone, Ukraine will need approximately $15 billion for immediate priorities, focusing on housing, infrastructure, energy, and transport.

Given Ukraine's pre-war economy, which had a GDP of $200 billion annually, now reduced to an estimated $160 billion, its absorptive capacity for reconstruction will be limited in labour and logistics. Modi’s visit could potentially strengthen India’s involvement in Ukraine’s reconstruction, fostering bilateral cooperation and contributing to global efforts to rebuild the war-torn nation.