In New Delhi, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar expressed that India and Ukraine have engaged in numerous exchanges lately, fostering a dynamic in their bilateral relations. During the rendezvous with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba at Hyderabad House, New Delhi, Jaishankar articulated, “…In recent months, our exchanges have been multifaceted, and it’s heartening to witness some of our bilateral mechanisms converge, catalyzing a discernible momentum in our diplomatic ties.”
He further added during his introductory statements, “Following our deliberations this afternoon, we eagerly anticipate the convening of the Inter-Governmental Commission. Your visit provides us an invaluable opportunity to glean insights into your regional dynamics. Our teams have meticulously charted out a substantive agenda for our discussions, and I extend the invitation to you to deliver your opening remarks.”
Kuleba, who arrived in New Delhi on Thursday, embarks on a two-day sojourn to India. Against the backdrop of endeavors to broker a peaceful resolution to the protracted Russia-Ukraine conflict and advocate for a peace summit, Kuleba underscored in his opening remarks the longstanding camaraderie between India and Ukraine. He expressed conviction in the untapped potential for the two nations to forge ahead, not only in their respective interests but also in bolstering the global development and security architecture.
“We aspire to reinstating the prelude to the vast-scale incursion by Russia into Ukraine. Our discourse will encompass novel spheres and collaborative endeavors, given the strategic depth of this relationship…Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have engaged in numerous tête-à-têtes, both in person and over the phone, consistently directing their Foreign Ministers to propel this relationship forward,” Kuleba asserted.
At the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal elucidated that the two leaders would delve into regional and global issues of mutual concern. Jaiswal highlighted the array of engagements lined up for the Ukrainian Foreign Minister.
“Our stance on peace initiatives and our perspective on the Ukraine-Russia conflict remain unequivocal. We steadfastly advocate for a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy, remaining receptive to exploring all avenues conducive to this end,” reiterated the MEA spokesperson in response to inquiries concerning India’s stance at the Peace conference in Switzerland.
The peace blueprint proffered by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in 2022 espouses tenets aimed at engendering a just and enduring peace in Ukraine. The Ukrainian Foreign Minister’s visit coincides closely with PM Modi’s dialogues with Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.
In a social media post during the Holi festivities last week, Kuleba affirmed his impending visit to India, marking a seminal official visit by a senior Ukrainian official since Russia escalated hostilities in February 2022. He underscored the centrality of engagements with India’s top echelons during his visit.
In January, Jaishankar and Kuleba engaged in a telephonic exchange, centering on the ongoing Ukrainian conflict and Kyiv’s peace proposal. Following the dialogue, Kuleba communicated to his Indian counterpart the essence of the peace proposal and Ukraine’s blueprint for the ‘Global Peace Summit’ of leaders.