During his visit to India, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba met with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation. The two officials discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and expressed their commitment to enhance relations between their countries. Kuleba emphasized the importance of India’s role in bringing together nations from the Global South to help end the war in Ukraine. He highlighted India’s influence on Russia due to their close relationship and suggested that New Delhi’s ties with Ukraine hold more promise for the future.
Kuleba’s visit comes in the aftermath of discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladmir Putin. India has refrained from criticizing Russia over the war in Ukraine and has emphasized the need for diplomacy and dialogue to achieve peace. Modi expressed India’s support for ending the conflict to Zelenskyy and encouraged India to participate in the Peace Summit proposed by Switzerland. The Indian government has also been working to strengthen ties with Russia but has been diversifying its sources for arms and technology to reduce dependence on Moscow due to disruptions caused by the conflict in Ukraine.
Under Modi’s leadership, India has positioned itself as a rising global player that can facilitate dialogue between Western powers and Russia. Despite refraining from voting against Moscow at the United Nations, India has increased its purchases of Russian oil at discounted prices following the invasion in February 2022. Russia remains India’s largest arms supplier, but New Delhi has been engaging with Western powers like the United States and the European Union to diversify its sources for arms and technology. India is also a member of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) along with the U.S., Australia, and Japan, signaling its commitment to regional security and stability.
Kuleba expressed optimism about restoring the strong relationship that existed between India and Ukraine before the conflict in Ukraine began. He emphasized the potential for cooperation in the interests of global development and security. Both foreign ministers acknowledged the importance of understanding each other’s perspectives and working together to address regional and global challenges. India’s role in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its engagement with key stakeholders highlight its position as a key player in the international arena, capable of mediating between conflicting interests and promoting peace and stability in the region.
Jaishankar and Kuleba’s discussions reflect a shared commitment to strengthening ties and enhancing cooperation between India and Ukraine. The visit signifies a willingness on both sides to deepen engagement and explore opportunities for collaboration in various sectors. By emphasizing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts and promoting peace, the two countries aim to play a constructive role in addressing regional and global challenges. India’s strategic position as a key player in international affairs, coupled with its relationships with both Russia and Ukraine, underscores its potential to act as a mediator and facilitator in conflicts and crises around the world.
