Ukraine urges India to ‘be on right side’ as it remains close to Russia
Ukraine’s deputy foreign minister has spoken of her country’s relationship with India, despite New Delhi’s close ties with Russia and refusal to condemn Moscow’s invasion of the European country.
Emine Dzhaparova was on her first official trip to New Delhi. She delivered a talk about Russia’s invasion at the Indian Council of World Affairs, and urged India to be on the “right side” of the war.
“Ukraine really wants India to come closer to it,” Ms Dzhaparova said.
“We had different pages in history but now Ukraine is gaining independence. We are now capable of being the subject, not the object.
“India is witnessing visionary changes and it may take some time for it to build new relations with Ukraine and the ties should be based on a pragmatic and balanced approach.”
India “can play a bigger and greater role” and Ukraine would “welcome any effort that is directed at resolving the war”, said Ms Dzhaparova.
“We count on India being on the right side at a historic moment,” she tweeted later.
Despite pressure from its western allies, New Delhi has refused to condemn Russia, its long-time ally and largest weapons supplier, for invading its European neighbour in February last year.
India has stressed that the nations’ differences and disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
It has repeatedly abstained from voting on UN resolutions against the Kremlin. Instead, it has deepened its trade ties with Moscow.
New Delhi has also increased its crude oil imports at discounted rates from Moscow, after many western nations stopped fuel purchases in protest over the invasion.
Ms Dzhaparova urged New Delhi to consider Kyiv’s participation at G20 events.
India took over the annual presidency from Indonesia in December and is hosting more than 200 meetings across the country, including the G20 leaders’ summit in Delhi in September. Although Ukraine is not part of the G20, its President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was invited to make a video address to the 17th Summit in Bali, where he proposed a 10-point formula to end his country’s war with Russia.
Ms Dzhaparova said Mr Zelenskyy would be “happy” to address the Delhi gathering.
“We believe that discussion about the economy and future economy, the economic situation in the world is not possible without the discussion about the repercussions of the war of Russia against Ukraine,” Ms Dzhaparova said.
“Our message to India is to consider the participation of Ukrainian officials at the G20 events of G20.
“Today, India plays a very important role in the world. India may take this leadership by involving Ukraine in its agenda and helping Ukraine
Discussion about the economy is not possible without the discussion about the repercussions of the war
EMINE DZHAPAROVA
Ukrainian deputy foreign minister
to bring its story. People-topeople contact is the best way to communicate.”
During her four-day visit, which ends today, the deputy minister met Meenakshi Lekhi, India’s junior foreign minister, and handed over a letter from Mr Zelenskyy, addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s External Affairs Ministry said.
The ministry said Ms Dzhaparova also made a request for additional humanitarian supplies, including medicine and medical equipment.
India has sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine since the beginning of the war.
New Delhi shares bilateral ties with Kyiv in the spheres of diplomacy, culture, education, health, science and trade.