Ukraine Hopes India Is On Its Side Regarding War, Even Though New Delhi Is Close To Moscow

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Emine Dzhaparova. (Wikimedia Commons/ITU Pictures)

JAKARTA - The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine wants India to be on his side in the fight against Russia, hoping his country can participate in the G20 summit, even though New Delhi has close ties to Moscow and does not condemn the invasion.

This was conveyed by Emine Dzhaparova, who is on her first official trip to the Indian capital, delivering lectures on a continuing war at India's World Affairs Council think tank.

"Ukraine really wants India to approach it. We have different pages in history, but now Ukraine is gaining independence. We are now capable of being a subject, not an object," Dzhaparova said.

"India is witnessing visionary changes and it may take time to establish a new relationship with Ukraine. And, that relationship should be based on a pragmatic and balanced approach."

India "can play a bigger and bigger role" with Ukraine to "welcome any effort directed at resolving the war," continued Dzaparova.

New Delhi is known to have refused to explicitly condemn Russia, its longtime allies and biggest arms supplier, despite pressure from its western allies, but stressed the settlement of differences and disputes through dialogue and diplomacy. India has repeatedly abstained from voting on UN resolutions against the Kremlin.

Was pleased to deliver a speech in front of a distinguished audience at @ICWA_NewDelhi. I told about my native #Crimea and the suffering that🇷🇺 brought to🇺🇦people. We count on #India being on the right side at a historic moment for better “One Earth. One Family. One Future”. pic.twitter.com/exKLrvKrmD

— Emine Dzheppar (@EmineDzheppar) April 11, 2023

On the same occasion, Dzaparova also urged New Delhi to consider Kyiv's participation in this year's G20 meeting series.

This year, India, which occupies the G20 Presidency, will host more than 200 meetings across the country, including the G20 summit of leaders in Delhi in September.

Although Ukraine is not part of the G20, President Volodymyr Zelensky was virtually invited to address at the G20 summit last year in Bali, Indonesia, where he proposed a 10-point formula to end the war between Kyiv and Moscow.

Dzaparova said President Zelensky would be "happy" to make a speech at the meeting.

"We believe that discussions about the future economy and economy, the economic situation in the world is impossible without discussion of the impact of Russia's war on Ukraine... it has an impact on the economic and economic growth of the G20," he said.

"Our message to India is, to consider the participation of Ukrainian officials at the G20 event... Today India plays a very important role in the world... India can take this leadership by involving Ukraine on its agenda and helping Ukraine to tell its story. People-to-people contacts are the best way to communicate," he said.

It is known that during his four-day visit which ended on Thursday, Minister Dzaparova met India's Minister of Young Culture Changises Lekhi and held a meeting with officials from India and the European Union.