Kyiv: Ukraine has welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for an end to the prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha saying Kyiv is ready to pursue diplomatic efforts with the support of India and other international partners.
Sybiha made the remarks during External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Kyiv on Thursday, describing the trip as an important milestone in India-Ukraine relations. He noted that it was the first standalone bilateral visit by an Indian foreign minister to Ukraine, reflecting the growing importance of direct engagement between the two countries.
Kyiv welcomes Modi’s peace message
Sybiha referred to Modi’s recent comments made in the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which the Indian Prime Minister stressed the need to bring the continuing war to an end.
“We support this position,” Sybiha said, adding that Ukraine had already presented what it considers realistic proposals for ending the conflict and believes greater attention should now be given to diplomatic engagement.
The two foreign ministers discussed a broad range of issues linked to the war and possible peace initiatives. Their talks also covered bilateral relations, freedom of navigation in the Black Sea and the wider implications of the conflict for global food security.
Black Sea security remains a concern
Sybiha also briefed Jaishankar on what he described as an escalation in attacks affecting civilian vessels, ports and other infrastructure. He said the Black Sea had increasingly become an area of conflict, with repercussions extending well beyond Ukraine.
The Ukrainian minister expressed condolences over the deaths of Indian citizens in incidents related to the war. He stressed that restoring safe navigation in the Black Sea was an international concern, particularly because the region remains an important route for Ukrainian agricultural exports.
According to Sybiha, disruption of these maritime routes could put additional pressure on global food supplies and create wider humanitarian and economic challenges for countries dependent on grain imports.
He thanked India for its engagement on the issue and said the two sides had discussed possible measures to support freedom of navigation and safeguard critical maritime routes.
India viewed as key partner in peace efforts
Sybiha said India’s growing influence on the global stage could contribute significantly to efforts aimed at expanding diplomatic support for peace.
He described New Delhi’s participation in discussions involving a broader group of countries as particularly valuable at a time when diplomatic channels surrounding the conflict remain under considerable strain.
Ukraine also wants to expand its relationship with India beyond political and diplomatic cooperation. Sybiha put bilateral trade at around $2.6 billion and said there was substantial potential for further growth.
The next meeting of the India-Ukraine Intergovernmental Commission for Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation is expected to provide an opportunity to strengthen government and business ties.
Focus on trade, technology and innovation
Sybiha identified energy, infrastructure, transport, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, digital technology and heavy engineering as areas where India and Ukraine could deepen economic cooperation.
He also described India as a major global technology power and said Ukraine had developed considerable expertise in innovative defence technologies during the war. According to him, there is scope for cooperation in science and technology as well as stronger links between universities, research institutions and cultural and educational organisations.
Thanking the Indian delegation for travelling to Kyiv despite the continuing security situation, Sybiha described India as an important partner for Ukraine.
He said Kyiv hoped New Delhi would continue supporting the principles of the UN Charter, including national sovereignty, territorial integrity, international law and freedom of navigation.
Modi’s remarks cited by Sybiha came during his meeting with Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek. The Prime Minister reiterated India’s support for efforts aimed at achieving peace, stressing that continued warfare holds back humanity while progress towards peace offers renewed hope.
