First-ever separate bilateral visit: Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar arrived in Kyiv. PHOTOS
Ukraine’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, welcomed his counterpart, Subrahmanyam Jaisankar, in Kyiv, who was on the first-ever separate bilateral visit by a Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of India to Ukraine.
This was reported by the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as relayed by Censor.NET.
Escalation of Russian aggression
As noted, Sybiha briefed his counterpart on the escalation of Russian aggression, in particular Russia’s systematic attacks on civilian vessels, Ukrainian ports and port infrastructure. The Minister emphasised that it was Russian aggression that had led to a situation in which the Black Sea had become a theatre of hostilities. He recalled that Indian seafarers, in particular, had been among the victims and expressed his deepest condolences on their deaths.
The Foreign Ministers discussed in detail peace efforts, the security situation in the Black Sea and freedom of navigation, global food security, nuclear threats from Russia, as well as the further development of Ukrainian-Indian relations.
Sybiha also emphasised that the consequences of Russia’s actions in the Black Sea extend far beyond Ukraine’s borders.
The peace process
The foreign ministers focused separately on the peace process and opportunities for India to become more actively involved in international efforts to end the war.
"As Prime Minister Modi recently said in the presence of Putin, it is time to put an end to this endless war. We support this position. Ukraine is ready to end the war; we have realistic proposals. It is time to turn to diplomacy," Sybiha emphasised.
Cooperation
During the talks, the parties devoted considerable attention to the bilateral agenda. Ukraine is ready to expand trade, investment, business contacts and the participation of Indian businesses in the reconstruction effort.
According to Sybiha, promising areas for cooperation include energy, infrastructure, transport, the agricultural sector, pharmaceuticals, digitalisation and mechanical engineering.
The ministers also agreed to promote the further development of scientific and technical cooperation, links between universities and research institutions, as well as educational and cultural exchanges.
Sybiha emphasised that Ukraine regards India as an important international partner and is keen to further strengthen mutually beneficial relations.
