PM’S VISIT TO UKRAINE
On August 23, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ukraine at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- This visit marked the first time an Indian Prime Minister has traveled to Ukraine since diplomatic relations were established in 1992.
BACKGROUND OF THE RELATIONS WITH UKRAINE
India was one of the first countries to recognize Ukraine. Government of India recognized the Republic of Ukraine as a sovereign country in December 1991 and established diplomatic relations in January 1992.
The Embassy of India in Kyiv was opened in May 1992. Ukraine opened its Mission in Delhi in February 1993 – its first in Asia.
BHISHM CUBES
Gift to Ukraine: India handed over 10 BHISHM cubes to Ukraine. These are portable medical facilities designed for trauma care, containing 22 tonnes of medical support equipment and 10 generator sets.
Other Recipients: BHISHM cubes have also been sent to Sri Lanka and Myanmar for emergency medical support.
About BHISHM cubes :
BHISHM cubes are portable hospitals and an easy-to-use, mobile medical facility that can be swiftly deployed to save lives in the most challenging circumstances. It can provide critical medical care to 100 survivors for up to 48 hours, making it a lifeline on remote and tough terrains where immediate medical attention is needed.
OTHER AREAS OF DISCUSSION
- Peace and Conflict Resolution:
- Peace Stance: PM Modi reiterated India’s firm stance for peace in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. He emphasized that India was not neutral and supported dialogue and diplomacy for conflict resolution.
- Tributes: PM Modi paid homage to the victims of the conflict, particularly children, by placing a doll at a memorial and participating in a tribute ceremony at the Martyrologist Exposition.
- Diplomatic and Economic Discussions:
- Trade and Defence: Discussions between PM Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy focused on enhancing trade, economic, and defense ties.
- Energy Purchases: PM Modi and Zelenskyy also discussed India’s recent energy purchases from Russia and its impact on the global market.
- Cultural and Educational Ties:
- Cultural Exchange: PM Modi interacted with Ukrainian students studying Hindi, highlighting the cultural connection between the two nations.
- Invitation: PM Modi extended an invitation to President Zelenskyy to visit India, aiming to further strengthen bilateral relations.
- Symbolic Gestures:
- Gandhi Tribute: PM Modi paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in Kyiv, emphasizing Gandhi’s message of peace.
- Ukrainian Memorials: PM Modi and Zelenskyy honored the memory of children lost in the conflict at the Martyrologist Exposition.
- Upcoming Engagements:
- High-Level Meetings: The visit includes meetings with high-level Ukrainian officials and discussions on enhancing trade and defense cooperation.
- Public Engagements: PM Modi is scheduled to meet with the Indian diaspora and attend various cultural events.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE VISIT
- Strengthening Ties: This visit is expected to enhance India-Ukraine relations across multiple sectors.
- Global Impact: The focus on peace and humanitarian support reflects India’s commitment to global stability and diplomatic engagement in conflict resolution.
- India being project as a Friend of All (Vishvamitra).
QUOTES
PM Modi: “We were not neutral from day one; we have taken a side, and we stand firmly for peace.”
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar: “This is a landmark visit. PM Modi’s engagement covers humanitarian aid, trade, defense, and cultural exchanges.”
CONCLUSION
Prime Minister Modi thanked President Zelenskyy for his hospitality and extended an invitation for him to visit India. The discussions highlighted the depth of India-Ukraine relations and their mutual trust and understanding.
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