Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova will visit India starting Sunday, marking the first meeting between the two countries since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. Although India has maintained a delicate balance between its growing security cooperation with Western countries and its dependence on Russia for military hardware and oil imports, New Delhi has called for an end to the conflict in Ukraine, although it has refused to condemn the invasion.
During her visit, Dzhaparova will exchange views on the current situation in Ukraine with a senior Indian Foreign Ministry official. The visit is an opportunity to foster mutual understanding and interests and to strengthen friendly relations and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries. However, it is not yet clear whether Dzhaparova will meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi or other officials of his government.
India has opted to strengthen trade ties with Russia, its long-time ally, instead of freezing imports of Russian crude oil, which allows it to import it at a reduced price and save the public money. Despite not publicly denouncing the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Modi has made it clear that now is not the time for a war.
During her visit, Dzhaparova will also meet with the media and think tanks in New Delhi to seek support for Ukraine.