Ukraine seeks more humanitarian aid from India

ANKARA

Kyiv has sought more humanitarian aid from New Delhi, India's External Affairs Ministry said on Wednesday as Ukraine's First Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova concluded a three-day visit to the South Asian country.

A statement issued by the ministry said Dzhaparova, who was on her first official visit to India from April 10-12, called on State Minister for External Affairs and Culture Meenakshi Lekhi on Tuesday. Besides holding discussions on a range of "bilateral and international issues," she handed over a letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, addressed to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"I was glad to pass @M_Lekhi a letter from Ukraine's President @ZelenskyyUa to Prime Minister @narendramodi," the Ukrainian minister said on Twitter. "As our countries India & Ukraine have mutual interests & visions, intensified dialogue on the highest level will be fruitful for our people and security in the world."

"Ukrainian request for additional humanitarian supply, including medicines and medical equipment was also shared by her," the ministry said.

India, which has remained neutral on Russia's war on Ukraine, has sent humanitarian aid including medicines and medical equipment to Kyiv.

Dzhaparova also proposed that rebuilding infrastructure in Ukraine could be an opportunity for Indian companies, according to the statement.

Lekhi tweeted that the two "exchanged views on bilateral & global issues of mutual interest" and "Ukraine was assured of enhanced humanitarian assistance."

Earlier, the Ukrainian official addressed a panel discussion hosted by the Indian Council of World Affairs, a New Delhi-based think tank. "Briefed Indian Strategic Community on Ukraine’s efforts to fight Russian unprovoked aggression. Ukraine will win, and justice will prevail. Because as @narendramodi said 21st century is not an era of war," she said.

The minister also requested Indian Prime Minister Modi and other top officials to visit Ukraine.

As she started her visit to the world's second-largest country, Dzhaparova said “supporting Ukraine is the only right choice" for India, which today "wants to be the Vishwaguru, the global teacher and arbiter."