Ukraine has expressed its interest in strengthening its ties with India and has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the country. The invitation was extended by Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna during her recent visit to India.
Stefanishyna, who is also Ukraine’s Minister for European Integration, held discussions with Indian officials to explore ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries. She expressed Ukraine’s desire to deepen its engagement with India in various fields, including trade, investment, defense, and science and technology.
During the discussions, the two sides also discussed the possibility of establishing direct air connectivity between India and Ukraine, which could boost tourism and trade between the two countries.
India and Ukraine already have a history of bilateral cooperation in various fields. India is one of the largest buyers of Ukrainian military hardware, including aircraft engines and missiles. In recent years, the two countries have also expanded their cooperation in the fields of science and technology, agriculture, and education.
Stefanishyna’s visit to India comes at a time when Ukraine is seeking to diversify its partnerships and reduce its dependence on Russia. Ukraine has been engaged in a long-standing conflict with Russia over the annexation of Crimea and support for separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine.
India, on the other hand, has been expanding its engagement with countries in the Eurasian region, including Central Asia, Russia, and the Caucasus. India’s ‘Connect Central Asia’ policy seeks to deepen its economic, cultural, and strategic ties with countries in the region.
Ukraine’s desire to strengthen its ties with India presents an opportunity for both countries to deepen their cooperation and diversify their partnerships. India can provide Ukraine with a valuable partner in the region, while Ukraine can offer India a gateway to Europe. A visit by Prime Minister Modi to Ukraine could further enhance the bilateral ties between the two countries and pave the way for increased cooperation in various fields.
The visit by the Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister is also significant as it comes amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which has had a significant impact on global trade and economy. Both India and Ukraine have been affected by the pandemic, and the two sides discussed ways to collaborate in the field of healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
India is known for its affordable and high-quality generic drugs, and Ukraine could benefit from its expertise in the field. The two sides discussed the possibility of establishing joint ventures for the production of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment.
Another area of potential cooperation is agriculture, where Ukraine is a major producer of grains, oilseeds, and vegetables. India could benefit from Ukraine’s expertise in agriculture and the two countries could explore ways to collaborate in the field of agro-processing and food processing.
In addition, India and Ukraine have a shared interest in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. The two sides could collaborate in the fields of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and green technologies.
Overall, the visit by the Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister to India is a positive development in the bilateral relations between the two countries. It presents an opportunity for both sides to explore new areas of cooperation and deepen their existing partnerships. A visit by Prime Minister Modi to Ukraine could further enhance the relationship and provide a boost to trade, investment, and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
