Why Modi is taking train to Ukraine instead of flight
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a historic 20-hour overnight train journey from Poland to Ukraine on Thursday (local time). PM Modi will board the special "Train Force One" at night to start his journey toward Kyiv. Notably, this is the first such trip by an Indian prime minister since Ukraine's independence in 1991. This diplomatic engagement is taking place nearly six weeks after his high-profile trip to Moscow, which drew criticism from the US and some Western allies.
'Train Force One' symbolizes 'Iron diplomacy'
The decision to travel by train instead of air is a strategic move, given the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. All airports in Ukraine are currently closed due to the war, making the train route a safer alternative. "Train Force One"—one of the world's most luxurious trains—serves as a diplomatic lifeline and symbolizes "Iron Diplomacy," a term coined by Ukraine's railway CEO, Alexander Kamyshin. Built in 2014 for tourists in Crimea, the train is akin to a high-end hotel on wheels.
'Train Force One' has been used by other world leaders
The train features a large table for important meetings, a plush sofa, and a wall-mounted TV. For safety, it is equipped with armored windows, secured communication systems, and can handle challenging scenarios. Before PM Modi, several world leaders traveled to Ukraine using this special train, including US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Other leaders who used this service include former UK PM Rishi Sunak, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, and Italy's PM Giorgia Meloni.
