During PM Modi’s meeting with the Indian diaspora, it was conveyed that Indians were facing a tough time in the country as Ukrainians blame Indians for siding with Putin and Russia. This sentiment led to a state of alertness among the SPG team throughout the seven-hour visit.
Amid escalating anti-India sentiment in Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kyiv was met with heightened security measures to safeguard his well-being. The Prime Minister paid his respects at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Oasis of Peace Park, where over 60 Special Protection Group (SPG) commandos, under the leadership of Director Alok Sharma, were deployed with bullet-resistant shields. The decision was prompted by concerns raised by the Indian diaspora regarding the perceived proximity of New Delhi with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
During PM Modi’s meeting with the Indian diaspora, it was conveyed that Indians were facing a tough time in the country as Ukrainians blame Indians for siding with Putin and Russia. This sentiment led to a state of alertness among the SPG team throughout the seven-hour visit, as per a report in Hindustan Times. Bullet-resistant shields were visibly present at the Park, serving as a precautionary measure against potential threats, particularly snipers. News footage captured the deployment of these shields, showing the extensive security arrangements in place.
Following the tense period, the security team breathed a sigh of relief as Prime Minister Modi concluded his visit and departed for Poland en route to New Delhi.
Modi on restoring peace
Modi on Friday conveyed to Zelenskyy that both Ukraine and Russia should sit together without wasting time to end the ongoing war and that India was ready to play an “active role” to restore peace in the region.
His nearly nine-hour visit to Ukraine, the first by an Indian prime minister since its independence in 1991, came six weeks after he held summit talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin that triggered anguish in some Western countries.
“I have come with a message of peace..I want to assure you and the entire global community that India is committed to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity (of states) and it is of utmost importance to us,” Modi told Zelenskyy during the talks.
The prime minister also asserted India’s strong commitment towards respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.
“I want to assure you and the entire global community that India is committed towards respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity (of states) and it is of utmost importance to us,” he said.
Zelenskyy said India supports Ukraine’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity and it is “critical because everyone in the world must equally respect the UN Charter.”