Ukraine's foreign minister recently arrived in New Delhi for a two-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation with India. The visit comes at a time when India, historically aligned with Russia, is navigating its stance on the conflict in Ukraine.
The foreign minister is scheduled to meet with his Indian counterpart and the deputy national security advisor during his visit. He also paid respects to Mahatma Gandhi at the Rajghat memorial site. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently engaged with both the Ukrainian and Russian presidents, emphasizing India's support for peace efforts and humanitarian assistance in the region.
India has refrained from openly criticizing Russia at the United Nations and has increased its purchases of Russian oil post-invasion. However, the country is also strengthening ties with Western powers and diversifying its arms and technology sources. India's participation in the Quad alliance with the U.S., Australia, and Japan underscores its evolving global role.
Ukraine has expressed interest in enhancing trade relations with India, particularly in sectors like agriculture, aviation, pharmaceuticals, and industrial products. The Ukrainian president has welcomed India's potential involvement in peace initiatives, including a proposed Peace Summit organized by Switzerland.
India's diplomatic efforts reflect its aspiration to mediate between Russia and the West on the Ukraine conflict. The country's strategic balancing act underscores its commitment to dialogue and peace as the preferred resolution to the ongoing war.
