KYIV — External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar conducted a high-level diplomatic visit to Kyiv, holding bilateral discussions with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and calling on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The visit—the first dedicated bilateral visit by an Indian External Affairs Minister to Ukraine—focused on conflict resolution, Black Sea maritime security, global food supply disruptions, and economic cooperation amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Conflict Resolution & Peace Initiatives
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Stand on Conflict: Reaffirmed India’s position that “this is not an era of war” and solutions cannot emerge from the battlefield, offering “any help in any manner” to facilitate a diplomatic end to the conflict.
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SCO Summit Context: Highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent address to Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek, emphasizing that endless war must give way to peace.
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Presidential Engagement: Meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy centered on peace pathways, the UN Charter, sovereignty, and safeguarding freedom of navigation.
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Global South Impact: Emphasized that ongoing hostilities, port blockades, and attacks on merchant shipping disproportionately affect the Global South through acute shortages of fuel, fertilizer, and food.
Black Sea Security & Maritime Safety
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Shipping & Seafarer Safety: Raised critical concerns regarding recent attacks on merchant ships in the Black Sea, noting that Indian seafarers serving under global flags have suffered casualties.
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Port Blockades: Jointly condemned the targeting and blocking of Ukrainian grain corridors and port infrastructure, highlighting the immediate threat to global food security.
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Air Security During Visit: Ukrainian air defense forces intercepted jet-powered ‘Shahed’ drones launched near Kyiv during the delegation’s visit.
Economic, Trade, and Humanitarian Cooperation
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Trade Volume & Potential: Bilateral trade currently stands at $2.6 billion, spanning pharmaceuticals, agriculture, machinery, chemicals, and consumer goods, with commitments to overcome war-related logistical bottlenecks.
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Future Sectors: Identified digital technology, startup ecosystems, higher education, and artificial intelligence applications in health, agriculture, and governance as key areas for expanded cooperation.
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Humanitarian Assistance: India has delivered 19 consignments of humanitarian aid to Ukraine to date.
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Intergovernmental Commission: Jaishankar extended an official invitation to Foreign Minister Sybiha to visit India for the upcoming session of the India-Ukraine Intergovernmental Commission.
