Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is likely to visit India soon, according to Ukraine's Ambassador to India, Oleksandr Polishchuk. While the specific dates are still being worked out, this visit follows an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, extended during his trip to Kyiv in August 2024.
Ambassador Polishchuk confirmed that both sides are actively trying to finalize a precise date for the visit, emphasizing its importance for the bilateral relationship between India and Ukraine. He expressed confidence that Zelenskyy's visit will not only strengthen ties but also pave the way for a future strategic partnership between the two nations.
This potential visit occurs against the backdrop of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, where India has maintained a neutral stance, advocating for peace and diplomacy. Polishchuk acknowledged India's position, stating that it aligns with Kyiv's vision for a peaceful resolution. He also urged greater Indian involvement in ending the conflict, viewing India as a significant partner in peace negotiations due to its ties with Moscow.
Prime Minister Modi's visit to Ukraine in August 2024 was a historic event, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country. During this visit, Modi met with Zelenskyy at the Mariinsky Palace, where they discussed bilateral relations and strategic issues, and Modi extended the invitation to Zelenskyy to visit India.
India and Ukraine have a longstanding relationship with diplomatic relations established in January 1992, shortly after Ukraine's independence following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Over the years, the two countries have signed more than 17 bilateral agreements, fostering cooperation in various fields such as science and technology, space research, and trade.
In February 2025, Ambassador Polishchuk highlighted the multifaceted cooperation between India and Ukraine before the war, noting an annual trade turnover of up to $5 billion. Ukraine was a major supplier of sunflower oil to India, and over 22,000 Indian students, mostly medical, studied in Ukraine. He also stated that after PM Modi's visit to Ukraine in August 2024, both countries agreed to elevate bilateral cooperation to a strategic partnership and have developed clear plans to implement this decision.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has also affirmed India's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Ukraine. On Ukraine's Independence Day, Jaishankar reiterated this commitment, emphasizing the importance of the relationship between the two countries.
While India has provided humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, it has also maintained its strategic relationship with Russia. This balancing act reflects India's broader geopolitical strategy and its desire to play a role in promoting peace and stability in the region. Despite facing Western pressure, India has carefully guarded its "privileged strategic partnership" with Russia, viewing Russia's declining fortunes in the global order as a strategically significant and unfavorable shift for India.
As both sides work to finalize the dates for President Zelenskyy's visit, it is anticipated that this meeting will further solidify the bond between India and Ukraine and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation and a future strategic partnership. The visit also underscores India's role in ongoing global efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
