Prime Minister Modi Visits Ukraine: Strengthening Ties with President Zelenskyy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ukraine on Friday at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This visit is historic as it marks the first time an Indian Prime Minister has visited Ukraine since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1992.
Focus on Peace and Diplomacy
During their discussions, both leaders emphasized the importance of achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace through dialogue and diplomacy. They reiterated their commitment to upholding international law, including the UN Charter, and principles such as respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of states.
Summit on Peace in Ukraine
India participated in the Summit on Peace in Ukraine held in Burgenstock, Switzerland, in June 2024. Ukraine welcomed India’s involvement and suggested that the Joint Communique on a Peace Framework from the summit could serve as a basis for future peace efforts.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Both leaders expressed mutual interest in elevating bilateral relations from a comprehensive partnership to a strategic partnership. They appreciated the participation of Ukrainian delegations in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 and the Raisina Dialogue 2024.
Global Food Security
The leaders commended efforts to ensure global food security, including the Ukrainian humanitarian grain initiative. They emphasized the importance of an uninterrupted supply of agricultural products to global markets, especially in Asia and Africa.
Economic and Trade Cooperation
They discussed enhancing cooperation in various areas such as trade, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, defence, education, science and technology, and culture. They also explored stronger partnerships in digital infrastructure, industry, manufacturing, and green energy.
Indian-Ukrainian Intergovernmental Commission
The leaders highlighted the role of the Indian-Ukrainian Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) in fostering economic partnerships. They appreciated the review of the IGC during the visit of the Ukrainian Minister for Foreign Affairs to India in March 2024 and aimed to convene the 7th Session of the IGC in 2024.
Pharmaceutical Cooperation
Recognizing the strong ties in pharmaceutical products, the leaders reaffirmed their desire for greater market access and joint ventures. They welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India and the State Service of Ukraine on Medicines and Drugs Control.
Doubts Revealed
Prime Minister Modi -: Prime Minister Modi is the leader of India. He makes important decisions for the country and represents India in other countries.
Ukraine -: Ukraine is a country in Europe. It is far from India and has its own government and culture.
President Zelenskyy -: President Zelenskyy is the leader of Ukraine. He is like the Prime Minister of India but for Ukraine.
1992 -: 1992 is a year. It was a long time ago, before many people today were born.
peace through dialogue and diplomacy -: This means solving problems by talking and making agreements instead of fighting.
international law -: International law is a set of rules that countries agree to follow to keep peace and order in the world.
bilateral relations -: Bilateral relations are the connections and cooperation between two countries.
global food security -: Global food security means making sure that people all over the world have enough food to eat.
pharmaceuticals -: Pharmaceuticals are medicines and drugs that help people stay healthy or get better when they are sick.
trade -: Trade is when countries buy and sell things to each other, like clothes, food, and technology.