Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is set to embark on a two-day visit to Bharat, aiming to bolster the relationship between the two countries. Ahead of his visit, Kuleba emphasized the significance of Bharat as an “important global partner” with a potent international voice, expressing hope that his trip would further enhance ties between Kyiv and New Delhi.
During an online briefing, Kuleba revealed that his visit, prompted by an invitation from his Bharatiya counterpart, S Jaishankar, marks the first of its kind in seven years. He underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation, especially in the wake of a recent discussion between Bharatiya Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which covered various aspects of mutual interest, including trade and cooperation on regional issues.
Amidst escalating tensions with Russia, Kuleba highlighted the pressing need for air defense systems in Ukraine. He emphasized Russia’s intensified aerial attacks, which included missiles, drones, and guided bombs targeting critical infrastructure and civilians, resulting in significant casualties and damages. Urgently requiring more air defense capabilities, particularly interceptors like the Patriot system, Ukraine seeks support from Bharat in this regard.
Furthermore, Kuleba welcomed Bharat’s potential role in the reconstruction of Ukraine, inviting cooperation on economic projects and reconstruction efforts. This comes in the aftermath of discussions between Prime Minister Modi and President Zelenskyy, where Modi reiterated Bharat’s support for a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasizing dialogue and diplomacy.
During his visit, Kuleba is slated to engage in official meetings with Bharatiya officials, including the External Affairs Minister and Deputy NSA, to discuss bilateral partnerships and cooperation on regional and global issues. Additionally, he aims to interact with the Bharatiya business community to explore avenues for economic collaboration.
The visit of the Ukrainian Foreign Minister comes at a crucial juncture, following recent conversations between Bharatiya and Ukrainian leaders regarding the ongoing conflict in the region. Bharat maintains its stance favoring dialogue and diplomacy, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution while extending humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine amidst the crisis.
In light of escalating tensions and the evolving geopolitical landscape, Kuleba’s visit underscores the importance of international cooperation and solidarity in addressing shared challenges and fostering peace and stability in the region.
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