In a diplomatic milestone, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first-ever visit to Ukraine on August 23, 2024, at the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This landmark event, occurring 32 years after the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, paved the way for enhanced cooperation across various sectors.
The leaders expressed mutual interest in elevating their relationship from a comprehensive partnership to a strategic one. They reaffirmed their commitment to developing bilateral ties based on trust, respect, and openness, benefiting both nations’ peoples.
Modi and Zelenskyy reviewed the positive trajectory of India-Ukraine relations over the past three decades. They acknowledged the role of regular engagements, including their meetings in Apulia and Hiroshima, as well as interactions between foreign ministers and national security advisors, in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.
The leaders discussed cooperation in trade, commerce, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, defense, education, science, technology, and culture. They also explored partnerships in digital public infrastructure, industry, manufacturing, and green energy, encouraging greater business and industry involvement from both countries.
To revitalize economic ties affected by the ongoing conflict, Modi and Zelenskyy directed their officials to explore ways to restore and expand bilateral trade. They emphasized removing impediments to trade and enhancing ease of doing business for mutual economic activities and investments.
In the realm of defense cooperation, the leaders agreed to facilitate stronger relationships between defense entities, including joint collaborations and partnerships for manufacturing in India. They also plan to hold the second meeting of the Indian-Ukrainian Joint Working Group on Military-Technical Cooperation in India soon.
Cultural and people-to-people ties were recognized as key elements of the enduring friendship between India and Ukraine. The leaders welcomed the conclusion of a bilateral Programme of Cultural Cooperation and decided to hold cultural festivals in both countries. They also agreed to explore the possibility of mutual opening of higher education institution branches.
Modi reiterated India’s focus on peaceful conflict resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. He expressed India’s willingness to contribute to facilitating an early return to peace. The Ukrainian side welcomed India’s participation in the Summit on Peace in Ukraine held in Switzerland in June 2024 and invited high-level Indian participation in the next Peace Summit.
Both leaders condemned terrorism unequivocally and called for an uncompromising fight against terrorism and extremism in all forms. They also advocated for comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council to reflect contemporary global realities.
The visit concluded with Prime Minister Modi thanking President Zelenskyy for the warm hospitality and extending an invitation for the Ukrainian leader to visit India at a mutually convenient time. This historic visit has set the stage for a new era of cooperation between India and Ukraine, promising stronger ties and mutual growth in the years to come.
