Modi Leaves For Historic Ukraine Visit. Why Is PM Taking A Train From Poland Instead Of Direct Flight To Kyiv?

PM Modi is on his first-ever visit to Ukraine via a Polish train. He embarked on a 10-hour rail journey on a luxurious and secure train called Train Force One.

Modi's visit to Kyiv comes nearly six weeks after his high-profile trip to Moscow (Image: PTI File)

Source : PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday left Poland for his first visit to Ukraine, marking a historic moment as the first Indian leader to visit the war-torn country since its independence. After concluding his two-day productive trip to Poland-- during which he held wide-ranging talks with the Polish leadership-- Modi embarked on a 10-hour train journey to "friend and partner" Kyiv instead of a much shorter direct flight. 

The Indian Prime Minister, who is visiting Ukraine at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is travelling to Kyiv via a Polish train called-- Train Force One. The locomotive is known for its luxury facilities and world-class service. It is reportedly equipped with advanced security systems, including armoured windows, extensive surveillance and a secure communication network. The interiors of the train boast a modern, hotel-like environment with spacious seating and comfortable sleeping arrangements.

Why Is PM Modi Travelling Via Train?

The reason why PM Modi is making the long train journey instead of a seven-hour long flight is because all airports in Ukraine are closed owing to the Russia-Ukraine war. Amid heavy restrictions on air travel, the train journey is being considered a safer option, media reports highlight. 

These luxury carriages were originally built in 2014 for tourists visiting Crimea but were later repurposed after Russia's annexation of the peninsula. Now, they are being used as safe transport options for world leaders and VIPs throughout the conflict-ridden country. Several international leaders, including US President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, used this train for travel to Ukraine since the conflict with Russia started.

Modi's Ukraine Visit

Modi's visit to Kyiv comes nearly six weeks after his high-profile trip to Moscow which triggered criticism from the US and some of its Western allies. This is the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Ukraine since the country became independent in 1991.

"I look forward to the opportunity to build upon earlier conversations with President Zelenskyy on strengthening bilateral cooperation and share perspectives on peaceful resolution of the ongoing Ukraine conflict. As a friend and partner, we hope for an early return of peace and stability in the region," the Prime Minister said in a statement ahead of his day-long visit. 

"I am confident that the visit will serve as a natural continuation of extensive contacts with the two countries and help create the foundation for stronger and more vibrant relations in the years ahead," he added. 

Notably, India has not yet condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has been calling for resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. In his summit talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow last month, Modi noted that a solution to the Ukraine conflict is not possible on the battlefield as peace talks do not succeed amid bombs and bullets.