When Prime Minister Narendra Modi steps aboard Train Force One for his upcoming visit to Ukraine, he’s not just taking a trip; he’s joining a roster of world leaders who have made this high-stakes journey in style. This isn’t your average train ride—it’s a 10-hour voyage through a war-torn landscape, complete with all the luxury and security needed for someone of Modi’s stature.

Train Force One isn’t just a catchy name—it represents the incredible feat of ‘Iron Diplomacy’, a term coined by the CEO of Ukraine’s railway company, Ukrzaliznytsia, Alexander Kamyshin. Since the onset of the Russian invasion, flying into Kyiv has been off the table for obvious reasons.

With airports shut and roads risky, the safest and most reliable way in and out of Ukraine is by train. But not just any train—this is a specially designed service that has ferried the likes of US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

The train journey that PM Modi will embark on involves nearly 20 hours of travel—10 hours each way—through a country ravaged by war. While it might sound daunting, the train’s reputation for safety and comfort is well-established. It’s not just a ride; it’s a statement.

LUXURY MEETS SECURITY

The interior of Train Force One is as impressive as its guest list. Think wood-panelled cabins equipped with everything needed for executive-level work and relaxation. There’s a long table for meetings, a sofa to unwind, a TV on the wall, and even comfortable sleeping arrangements.

Biden, a well-known train enthusiast, spent 20 hours on this very train during his visit to Ukraine, signing a thank-you note for the crew and leaving his mark on the history of the service.

These luxury carriages were originally built in 2014 for tourists visiting Crimea. But after Russia annexed the peninsula, they were repurposed for more critical missions—transporting world leaders and VIPs through a country at war.

So, when PM Modi boards this train, he’s stepping into a space that has hosted some of the most powerful figures in global politics.

A JOURNEY ROOTED IN DIPLOMACY

PM Modi’s visit to Ukraine is more than just a diplomatic mission—it’s a balancing act. Following his trip to Moscow in July, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Indian leader is now turning his attention to Ukraine where he will be on August 23.

The international community is closely watching this visit, especially as India has positioned itself as a neutral party in the conflict, advocating for dialogue and a peaceful resolution.

The train ride itself is symbolic of this delicate balance.

PM Modi is scheduled to depart for Ukraine on August 22, following his official meetings in Poland, which is the first destination on his two-nation tour. He is expected to arrive in Kyiv on the morning of August 23, and spend about seven hours in Ukraine, discussing matters with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, before heading back to Poland on the same train.

This is the first visit by an Indian leader to Ukraine since the Russian invasion began in February 2022, and it’s a significant move in India’s ongoing diplomatic efforts.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Operating a luxury train service through a war zone is no easy feat. The Ukrainian railway system, under Kamyshin’s leadership, has managed to keep the trains running with minimal delays, even in the face of constant threats and power outages.

Diesel engines have replaced electric ones, ensuring that the trains can continue to operate even when the power grid is hit by Russian attacks.

Kamyshin and his team have worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and comfort of their high-profile passengers. They’ve coordinated closely with security teams, keeping operations under wraps and maintaining the highest levels of confidentiality.

The result? Not a single leak or security breach has occurred during these critical missions.

A JOURNEY THAT MAKES HISTORY

As PM Modi prepares for his trip on Train Force One, he’s not just travelling to Ukraine—he’s becoming part of a unique chapter in history. This train has seen it all: from evacuating millions of Ukrainians at the start of the war to now serving as a diplomatic lifeline.

For PM Modi, this journey is both a testament to India’s commitment to peace and a powerful symbol of the enduring spirit of Ukraine.