Recent developments in India-Ukraine relations underscore a mutual commitment to enhancing bilateral ties. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ukraine, he and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed a shared vision of elevating their partnership from a comprehensive to a strategic alliance. This vision encompasses a broad range of sectors, including peace efforts, economic cooperation, defence, and humanitarian support.
Commitment to Peaceful Resolution
A fundamental aspect of the strengthening relationship is the mutual dedication to peace. India’s involvement in the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, held in Burgenstock, Switzerland, in June 2024, illustrates its commitment to dialogue and diplomacy. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted this during a press briefing in Kyiv, stating, “As you know, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kyiv this morning and we’ve just concluded his official engagements. This is a landmark visit.” He emphasized that the discussions between Modi and Zelenskyy focused significantly on peace, noting, “There was a discussion about trade, economic issues, defence, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, education. There were a whole lot of issues.”
The Joint Communiqué on a Peace Framework from the summit provides a basis for advancing dialogue and diplomacy. The Ukrainian side has welcomed India’s participation and underscored the need for continued high-level engagement in future peace initiatives.
Advancing Economic Cooperation
Economic cooperation is another focal point of the bilateral discussions. Both leaders have stressed the importance of enhancing trade, commerce, and other economic interactions. The Indian-Ukrainian Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) is crucial in this regard. The recent review of the IGC, including a meeting with Ukraine’s Minister for Foreign Affairs in March 2024, has paved the way for expanding economic ties. Jaishankar noted, “The leaders also tasked the Intergovernmental Commission, of which Minister Kuleba and I are the co-chairs, to specifically focus on rebuilding our trade and economic relations, which had gone down in recent times.”
Efforts are underway to restore and surpass pre-conflict trade levels, with a focus on improving the ease of doing business and fostering joint projects. Both nations are also working on enhancing agricultural cooperation and harmonizing standards to facilitate market access.
Strengthening Pharmaceutical Ties
Pharmaceutical cooperation is a strong pillar of the India-Ukraine relationship. The recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between India’s Ministry of Health and Ukraine’s State Service on Medicines and Drugs Control reflects a commitment to improving market access and investment opportunities. The 3rd Meeting of the Indian-Ukrainian Joint Working Group on Pharmaceutical Cooperation, scheduled for August 2024, will further this collaboration. Jaishankar highlighted the significance of this sector, stating, “India handed over Bhishm Cube of Medical assistance to Ukraine. They contain medical support equipment which are very effective, compact, and deployable in many ways.”
Expanding Scientific and Technological Collaboration
Scientific and technological cooperation is another key area of focus. The successful implementation of agreements and the effective functioning of the Joint Working Group on Scientific and Technical Cooperation set a positive precedent. Future collaboration will concentrate on emerging technologies like ICT, AI, machine learning, and green energy. Both countries are committed to regular exchanges and collaborative programs to drive innovation.
Deepening Defence Cooperation
Defence cooperation between India and Ukraine is set to strengthen further. Both leaders have agreed to enhance this relationship through joint collaborations and partnerships. The upcoming 2nd meeting of the Indian-Ukrainian Joint Working Group on Military-Technical Cooperation will play a crucial role. Regular engagements, including past meetings in Apulia and Hiroshima, have contributed to building mutual trust and understanding in this domain.
Humanitarian Support
A notable gesture of support from India was the presentation of four BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) Cubes to Ukraine. These units are equipped for rapid medical treatment and include essential equipment for managing emergency situations. “These cubes, with a total weight of 22 tons were handed today,” Jaishankar stated. The cubes are designed to handle various medical needs and come with their own power and oxygen generation capabilities. Indian experts have also been deployed to train Ukrainian personnel in operating these units.
Bottomline
The enhanced partnership between India and Ukraine reflects a shared vision of growth, stability, and cooperation. By focusing on peace, economic development, and defence, both nations aim to build a resilient and strategic alliance that benefits their peoples and contributes positively to the global community.