Modi meets Polish leaders ahead of ‘landmark’ trip to Ukraine

(CNN) — India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Polish leaders Thursday in a rare trip a day ahead of his expected visit to Ukraine – a first in the countries’ history.Modi’s tour comes weeks after he traveled to Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a symbolic first bilateral visit of the Indian prime minister’s new term – a trip that drew criticism from Kyiv as it defends against Russia’s grinding invasion.Speaking to members of the Indian diaspora in Warsaw after his arrival Tuesday, Modi said India is stressing “diplomacy and dialogue.”“India’s view is absolutely clear – this is not the era of war,” Modi said, adding that the country was a “big advocate of permanent peace in this region.”“This is the time to unite to deal with the challenges which pose the greatest threat to humanity,” he said.Modi’s expected meetings this week – with leaders from Poland, a key NATO member, on Thursday and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday – come during an inflection point in the war. Ukrainian forces earlier this month launched an unprecedented offensive into Russian territory, nearly two and half years after Moscow’s invasion.New Delhi has repeatedly called for a ceasefire in...