Ambassador of Ukraine to India, Oleksandr Polishchuk, lauded India’s steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing that New Delhi has consistently upheld Ukraine’s independence amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Speaking to the media, Polishchuk underscored the significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ukraine last August, describing it as a “very historic visit” that symbolized India’s commitment to peace and territorial sovereignty.
“It was a very historical visit of the Prime Minister of India to Ukraine. It was just after the Prime Minister’s visit to Moscow. During PM Modi’s visit, Russia made a terrible missile strike on the kids’ hospital,” Polishchuk recalled, referring to the tragic missile attack on a children’s hospital in Ukraine that coincided with Modi’s visit.
He further expressed gratitude for India’s consistent diplomatic stance. “This visit demonstrates that India absolutely supports Ukrainian independence, and we very much appreciate that it’s always been highlighted by the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, that India defends the territorial integrity and sovereignty of any country,” Polishchuk added.
Addressing the recent US-Russia talks held in Riyadh, which excluded Ukrainian representatives, Polishchuk reiterated Ukraine’s position on diplomatic engagement. “We are following the main principle—nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. While Russia and the United States have the right to discuss bilateral issues, Ukraine should be present if the talks concern us,” he asserted.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Ukraine in August 2024 marked the first-ever trip by an Indian Prime Minister since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1992. During discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, both leaders underscored the importance of achieving “a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace through dialogue and diplomacy.”
India’s balanced approach, advocating for peace while respecting national borders, has made it a pivotal voice in international conversations surrounding the Russia-Ukraine conflict.