PM Modi’s Ukraine, Poland visit: India strengthens Central Europe ties.
For much of its recent history, Central and Eastern Europe have been caught in the crossfire of great power rivalries, often serving as battlegrounds for external influences. However, unlike during the Mackinder era, when the region was largely at the mercy of dominant powers, these nations now possess greater agency in shaping their own destinies. With increased political autonomy, economic development, and strategic alliances, Central and Eastern European countries are actively participating in reshaping regional geopolitics. This newfound influence allows them to assert their interests more effectively on the global stage, challenging historical patterns of external domination and fostering a more balanced and self-determined regional order.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Poland and Ukraine marks a significant step in India’s evolving foreign policy, particularly its engagement with Europe. Over the last decade, India has been quietly but steadily raising Europe’s profile within its foreign policy framework, recognizing the continent’s strategic importance in an increasingly multipolar world. Modi’s visit to Central Europe, a region that has long been a geopolitical crossroads, comes at a critical time when the area is once again at the center of global power struggles.
Central Europe, often referred to as Mitteleuropa, has historically been a battleground for great power rivalry. For centuries, the region was shaped by the competing ambitions of empires and states, from the Austro-Hungarian Empire to the Soviet Union. Today, it is at the forefront of a new geopolitical contest, exemplified by the ongoing war in Ukraine, now entering its third year. This conflict is more than just a regional skirmish; it is a manifestation of the broader geopolitical churn that is destabilizing the entire world.
Halford Mackinder, the British geopolitical thinker, famously articulated the strategic importance of Central and Eastern Europe in his Heartland Theory at the turn of the 20th century. Mackinder’s theory posited that “who rules East Europe, commands the heartland; who rules the heartland, commands the world-island; who rules the world-island, commands the world.” While the geopolitical landscape has evolved since Mackinder’s time, the fundamental importance of Central Europe remains unchanged. Control over this region has historically meant influence over the broader Eurasian landmass, and by extension, global power.
In this context, Modi’s visit to Poland and Ukraine is not just about bilateral relations; it is about strategically positioning India within the broader geopolitical framework. Central Europe, with its pivotal location and historical significance, has often been overlooked in India’s foreign policy. By engaging more deeply with this region, India is not only filling a crucial gap in its European policy but also signaling its recognition of Central Europe’s importance in the contemporary geopolitical landscape.
Poland, one of the largest and most influential countries in Central Europe, has emerged as a key player in the region. It has been at the forefront of efforts to counter Russian aggression in Ukraine, hosting millions of Ukrainian refugees and providing substantial military and humanitarian aid. Poland’s strategic location, bordering both Ukraine and Belarus, makes it a critical partner for India as it seeks to navigate the complex dynamics of the region.
Ukraine, on the other hand, is at the epicenter of the current geopolitical conflict in Central Europe. The war in Ukraine is not just a struggle for territorial control; it is a contest between competing visions of the future of Europe. For Russia, Ukraine represents a critical buffer zone that it cannot afford to lose. For the West, Ukraine is a symbol of the broader struggle for democratic values and the rule of law in the face of authoritarianism. By visiting Ukraine, Modi is demonstrating India’s commitment to supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations, a principle that has been a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy.
India’s engagement with Central Europe also reflects a broader shift in its foreign policy towards a more active and assertive global role. For much of its post-independence history, India pursued a policy of non-alignment, seeking to maintain its independence from the competing power blocs of the Cold War. However, in recent years, India has increasingly aligned itself with like-minded democracies in pursuit of shared strategic interests. This shift is evident in India’s growing partnerships with countries like the United States, Japan, and Australia, as well as its deepening engagement with Europe.
Modi’s visit to Poland and Ukraine is a continuation of this trend. By strengthening its ties with Central Europe, India is not only expanding its diplomatic and economic footprint in the region but also positioning itself as a key player in the emerging global order. Central Europe, with its strategic location at the crossroads of East and West, North and South, offers India a unique opportunity to influence the broader geopolitical dynamics of the region.
Moreover, India’s engagement with Central Europe is also driven by economic considerations. The region has emerged as a hub of innovation and economic growth, with countries like Poland and Hungary experiencing rapid economic development in recent years. Central Europe is also a critical transit route for energy supplies from Russia and the Caspian region to Western Europe
In addition to economic and strategic considerations, Modi’s visit to Central Europe also reflects India’s commitment to promoting democratic values and the rule of law. Central Europe, with its history of resistance to authoritarianism and its ongoing struggles to consolidate democracy, represents a natural partner for India in its efforts to promote these values on the global stage.
The war in Ukraine has brought these issues to the forefront, as the region once again finds itself at the center of a struggle between competing visions of the future of Europe. By engaging with Central Europe, India is demonstrating its commitment to supporting the democratic aspirations of the region’s people and its willingness to stand up to authoritarianism in all its forms.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Poland and Ukraine marks a significant step in India’s ongoing efforts to raise Europe’s profile in its foreign policy. By engaging more deeply with Central Europe, India is not only filling a crucial gap in its European policy but also positioning itself as a key player in the emerging global order. Central Europe, with its strategic location and historical significance, offers India a unique opportunity to influence the broader geopolitical dynamics of the region. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of the 21st century, India’s engagement with Central Europe will be critical to shaping the future of the global order.