External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar today said that India has consistently maintained that this is not an era of war, and that solutions will not emerge from the battlefield. The Minister said this after meeting his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha in Kyiv, Ukraine. Dr Jaishankar reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement just two days ago in Bishkek, that endless war must now give way to the end of war. He said that every passing day of conflict only means more deaths and more destruction. The Minister also expressed country’s support in any manner possible to end Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia. Dr Jaishankar also highlighted attacks on commercial shipping during such conflicts, and said that it impacts many nations of the Global South in a variety of ways leading to fuel, fertilizer and food shortages.
He said that India has so far provided 19 consignments of humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, including 160 tonnes comprising generator sets, medicines, and medical equipment. He said that the two countries have a considerable history and it predates Ukraine’s independence. Dr Jaishankar stressed that trade between India and Ukraine spans across many sectors including pharmaceuticals, food, agriculture and fertilizers. Noting future prospects of their bilateral cooperation, the Minister said that the two countries are progressing in areas of digital capabilities, innovation and startups. He further said, the world of AI
In a social media post, the Minister said that he discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relationship, including in the fields of education, health, agriculture, digital, innovation, diplomatic training and development cooperation with his Ukrainian counterpart. During the meeting, Dr Jaishankar was updated on the recent developments in the ongoing conflict and peace negotiations. He also conveyed the need to ensure the safety and security of commercial shipping and seafarers.
Later, Dr Jaishankar also met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and discussed on approaches to end the ongoing conflict. The Minister is on a three-day visit to Ukraine and Poland.
