External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will visit Ukraine and Poland from September 3 to 5, with talks expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations, regional developments and issues of mutual interest.

 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will undertake an official visit to Ukraine and Poland from September 3 to 5, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Wednesday.

During the visit, Jaishankar will hold bilateral consultations with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski. The discussions will focus on strengthening India's bilateral relations with both European countries and exchanging views on regional developments and issues of mutual interest. 

The visit comes as India continues to maintain diplomatic engagement with Ukraine while also stressing dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Jaishankar's Ukraine visit

Jaishankar's talks with Sybiha are expected to cover the broader India-Ukraine relationship as well as developments surrounding the ongoing war.

The two ministers had spoken by phone on August 26. According to Ukraine's Foreign Ministry, Sybiha briefed Jaishankar about the situation in the Black Sea, including intensified attacks on Ukrainian ports and maritime routes. They also discussed freedom of navigation and ways to advance bilateral cooperation.

The upcoming visit also follows recent discussions between Ukrainian officials and India's ambassador in Kyiv on India's potential role in efforts aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Ukrainian officials have indicated that Kyiv wants continued dialogue with New Delhi on the peace process.

India has consistently advocated dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict, while maintaining relationships with both Moscow and Kyiv.

Focus on India-Poland ties

Jaishankar will also travel to Poland for discussions with Sikorski. The visit comes amid efforts to further expand India's engagement with Poland following the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two countries in 2024.

India and Poland have identified areas including trade and investment, technology, agriculture, connectivity, mining, energy, environment, digital cooperation and defence as areas for deeper bilateral engagement.

The Poland leg also comes ahead of an expected visit to India by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, with preparations for the visit already under discussion between the two countries. 

Wider European engagement

Jaishankar's two-country visit comes at a time of significant geopolitical changes in Europe, with the Russia-Ukraine conflict continuing to affect regional security, energy and food supplies.

For New Delhi, the visit provides an opportunity to maintain high-level political engagement with both Ukraine and Poland while advancing India's economic and strategic interests in Europe.

The MEA has described the visit primarily as an opportunity to enhance bilateral relations and exchange views on regional developments and issues of mutual interest.