India walks a diplomatic tightrope, making friends with Ukraine while ally Russia watches on

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ukraine on Friday is likely to be closely watched by New Delhi’s longstanding ally, Russia.

The trip comes as India looks to navigate alliances with arch enemies Russia and the West, as one of the few countries to have robust trading and diplomatic relations with both parties since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 set off heightened global tensions, sanctions and animosity toward the Kremlin.