Ukraine's Zelensky writes to PM Modi, seeks additional humanitarian aid

By, New Delhi
Apr 12, 2023 09:24 AM IST

Ukraine has requested India for additional medicines and medical equipment, the external affairs ministry said.

Ukraine has requested India for additional medicines and medical equipment, the external affairs ministry said on Wednesday. The request, in a letter by President Volodymyr Zelensky to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, came during the three-day visit to India by Ukraine's deputy foreign minister Emine Dzhaparova, when she met minister of state for external affairs Meenakshi Lekhi, a statement from the foreign ministry said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and PM Narendra Modi(File)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and PM Narendra Modi(File)

“The Ukrainian Deputy FM also proposed that rebuilding infrastructure in Ukraine could be an opportunity for Indian companies,” the statement said.

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"Dzhaparova also called on Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Meenakshi Lekhi. Besides holding discussions on a wide range of bilateral and international issues of mutual interest, she handed over a letter from President Zelenskyy, addressed to Prime Minister Modi. Ukrainian request for additional humanitarian supply, including medicines and medical equipment was also shared by her," according to the statement.

The statement read that the next Inter-Governmental Commission between New Delhi and Kyiv would be held in India on a mutually convenient date.

Both the ministers, Dzhaparova and Lekhi exchanged views on bilateral and global issues of mutual interest.

India has assured of providing enhanced humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. Following their meeting, Lekhi took to her Twitter handle to reiterate what Modi said, during a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in September last year that "Today's era is not of war."

She tweeted, "Not a time for War - PM @narendramodi. Pleased to meet Ukrainian First Dy FM @EmineDzheppar. Exchanged views on bilateral and global issues of mutual interest. Cultural ties and women empowerment also figured in the discussion. Ukraine was assured of enhanced humanitarian assistance."

Meanwhile, Dzhaparova also took to Twitter to post her thanks on Tuesday. "Had a fruitful meeting with @M_Lekhi. Briefed Minister on #Ukraine's efforts to fight unprovoked aggression. Discussed deepening bilateral cooperation in various fields, in a particular culture. Bookshelves and audio guides under the patronage of @ZelenskaUA will be available soon in India," she tweeted.

During her visit Dzhaparova held bilateral talks with Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West), MEA.

The bilateral agenda included - spheres such as economic, defence, humanitarian assistance, and global issues of mutual interest.

The Ukraine deputy foreign minister briefed Secretary (West) about the prevailing situation in Ukraine. The two sides agreed to hold the next round of Foreign Office Consultations in Kyiv on a mutually convenient date, according to a statement released by the MEA.

"The Ukrainian Deputy FM also proposed that rebuilding infrastructure in Ukraine could be an opportunity for Indian companies. Secretary (West) shared that India has provided medicines, medical equipment and would provide school buses etc. to Ukraine," the MEA statement added.

Dzhaparova visited the Manohar Parrikar-Institute of Defence Studies and also delivered a talk at the Indian Council of World Affairs. During her visit, she highlighted Ukraine's desire to build a stronger and closer relationship with India.

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    Have 11 years' experience in print and digital media. Write on politics, defence and world affairs, and have a keen eye for human-interest stories.

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