During the latter half of her visit to India, Ukraine’s First Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova delivered a letter from Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) today said that Minister Dzapharova sent the letter to Minister of State, MEA, Meenakshi Lekhi. She also requested for additional humanitarian aid during her talks with Lekhi, who tweeted that India had assured enhanced humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
Ukraine has reportedly also sought the participation of President Zelensky in the September 2023 G20 Summit to be held in New Delhi under India's Presidency.
The Ukraine Minister also said the war-torn country would allow foreign medical students to take the Unified State Qualification Exam in their country of domicile, which would be a huge relief for thousands of Indian students forced to leave Ukraine when war broke out.
Ukraine has also suggested that rebuilding infrastructure in the country could be an opportunity for Indian companies.
Dzhaparova told a gathering of diplomats, former envoys and reporters that the events preceding the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine last year could serve as an example of how to handle "difficult neighbours".
The Ukrainian minister had earlier said that Kyiv wanted New Delhi to be more involved in helping resolve its war with Russia and sought a visit by PM Modi and other top officials.
Dzhaparova's visit to India is the first from Ukraine after Russia began its invasion of the country last year. The minister described India as a global leader and a 'Vishwaguru' which can play a role in addressing global challenges.
"I think India is a global player. It is really a 'Vishwaguru' of the world. This is about justice… Rusia is questioning the very existence of my country. In our history of 1,500 years, Ukraine never attacked any country," she said.
The Ukrainian minister wrapped up her three-day visit to India today. It was the first visit from Ukraine to India after Russia began its invasion of the east European country on February 24 last year.
“Dzhaparova, during her visit, highlighted Ukraine’s desire to build a stronger and closer relationship with India,” the MEA said in a statement, adding that the next meeting of the Inter-governmental commission between the two sides would be held in India.