Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister visits India to enhance bilateral ties and seek aid for war-torn country

 

Ukraine's First Deputy Foreign Minister, Emine Dzhaparova, is set to embark on a four-day official visit to India, marking the first visit by Ukrainian officials since the start of the Russian offensive in February 2022. During the visit, Dzhaparova is expected to discuss bilateral relations and exchange views on the current situation in Ukraine and global issues of mutual interest with officials, including Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Meenakshi Lekhi, and Deputy National Security Adviser, Vikram Misri. The two countries have established warm and friendly relations over the last 30 years, with significant progress made in trade, education, culture, and defence.

Dzhaparova is expected to request humanitarian aid and equipment to repair energy infrastructure damaged during Russia's invasion. She is also likely to invite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Kyiv. India, as the current President of the G20, has not blamed Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and has sought a diplomatic solution while increasing its purchases of Russian oil. PM Modi has maintained regular communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reiterating that there can be "no military solution" to the conflict and that India is ready to contribute to any peace efforts. The official statement released ahead of Dzhaparova's visit emphasized the visit as an opportunity to further mutual understanding and interests between the two countries.