Kyiv: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit to Kyiv and held discussions on strengthening India-Ukraine relations as well as efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the ongoing conflict.
Sharing details of the meeting, Jaishankar said he was pleased to call on President Zelenskyy. He briefed the Ukrainian leader on his discussions with Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, particularly on expanding cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting also focused on the Ukraine conflict and possible pathways towards ending the hostilities. India has consistently maintained that lasting peace can be achieved through dialogue, diplomacy and direct engagement among the parties concerned.
India-Ukraine ties
India and Ukraine established diplomatic relations in January 1992, shortly after Ukraine became an independent nation. Over the years, bilateral engagement has developed across several sectors, including trade, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, education, science and technology, culture and defence.
The two countries also have an Intergovernmental Commission that serves as an institutional mechanism for strengthening economic, scientific, technological and other areas of cooperation.
Despite the disruption caused by the Russia-Ukraine war, India has continued to maintain diplomatic engagement with Kyiv. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Zelenskyy have held several interactions in recent years, reflecting India’s effort to remain engaged with Ukraine while also maintaining its broader diplomatic channels.
India’s approach to the conflict has centred on dialogue and diplomacy rather than confrontation. New Delhi has repeatedly conveyed that differences should be resolved through negotiations and peaceful means.
The Jaishankar-Zelenskyy meeting assumes significance against this backdrop, combining discussions on deepening India-Ukraine bilateral cooperation with India’s continued emphasis on diplomatic efforts to bring the conflict to an end.