KYIV: Emine Dzhaparova, the first deputy foreign minister of Ukraine, is set to visit India for talks with a senior member of the Indian foreign ministry, marking the first face-to-face talks between the two countries since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year.
The visit comes as India is trying to balance its increased security cooperation with Western countries against its reliance on Russia for defence and oil imports.
While India has not condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it has called for an end to hostilities. India’s long-standing security relations with Russia have put the country in an awkward diplomatic position.
As a result, the visit by Dzhaparova is expected to be an occasion for “further mutual understanding and interests,” according to a statement from India’s foreign ministry.
During her visit, Dzhaparova will “exchange views on the current situation in Ukraine” and meet with media and think-tanks in New Delhi in an effort to build support for Ukraine.
The deputy foreign minister is also likely to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Kyiv, according to a report in The Hindu newspaper.
Invitation for Indian PM Modi
Ukraine and India have “warm and friendly ties and multifaceted cooperation,” according to the foreign ministry statement.
However, there was no indication that Dzhaparova would meet with Modi or ministers from his government.
India imports most of its military hardware from Russia and has opted to strengthen trade ties with its long-standing ally, resisting Western pressure to freeze out Moscow.
The country is also buying discounted crude from Russia, which is helping to temper inflation while saving public money.
Russian President Vladimir Putin may visit India in July for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, in what would be his first trip to India since December 2021.
The visit could provide an opportunity for India to further balance its relationships with Russia and Ukraine.
