Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is set to embark on a visit to India this week, following an invitation from External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar. Kuleba conveyed his wishes to India on the occasion of Holi, describing it as the “most beautiful and colorful spring holiday.” The Ukraine Foreign Minister is coming to India for the first time since the war with Russia began in February 2022.

In a post on X, Kuleba announced his upcoming visit, stating, “Today, India celebrates Holi, the most beautiful and colorful spring holiday. I wish everyone a happy Holi! Standing here in Kyiv, in front of Mahatma Gandhi’s monument, I am also pleased to announce that this week I will pay my first ever visit to India.”

Kuleba, in a two-minute video message, highlighted the recent dialogue between Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aimed at bolstering relations between the two nations. Drawing parallels between the ideals of freedom and independence championed by Mahatma Gandhi in India and Ukraine’s current struggle, Kuleba expressed optimism about the potential for mutual cooperation.

Today, India celebrates Holi, the most beautiful and colorful spring holiday. I wish everyone a happy Holi! Standing here in Kyiv, in front of Mahatma Gandhi’s monument, I am also pleased to announce that this week I will pay my first ever visit to India. pic.twitter.com/j38tNyGvUw

— Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) March 25, 2024

“Ukraine and India are two big democracies. I am certain we are set to be good partners and friends,” he remarked.

The Ukrainian Foreign Minister emphasised the importance of supporting Ukraine’s quest for freedom and independence, citing Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy as an inspiration. “According to Gandhi, the future depends on what we do in the present. Hence, supporting Ukraine today means supporting freedom and independence, supporting the legacy of the Great Mahatma,” he added.

He expressed confidence in the ability of India and Ukraine to establish a strong foundation for mutual benefit.

PM Modi’s Talks With Putin And Zelenskyy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently held separate phone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss strengthening ties. During the discussion with Zelenskyy, PM Modi reiterated India’s support for a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) informed.

In his conversation with Putin, PM Modi “reiterated India’s consistent position in favour of dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward” in context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, PMO stated.

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Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba To Hold Talks With EAM S Jaishankar

Last week, news agency PTI reported people familiar with the matter as informing that the Ukranian foreign minister is set to hold wide-ranging talks with EAM S Jaishankar besides meeting a number of senior officials.

Kuleba is expected to seek India’s backing for a peace summit planned in Switzerland in the coming months. The visit will also include a meeting with S Jaishankar to co-chair the India-Ukraine inter-governmental commission, where discussions on various bilateral issues are anticipated, as per PTI’s report.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has put forward a 10-point “peace plan” for ending the conflict that involves punishing those responsible for the war crimes, withdrawing all Russian troops from Ukraine, and restoring the country’s territorial integrity. He also called for ensuring energy security, food security, and nuclear safety.

India has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy. Prime Minister Modi assured President Zelenskyy of India’s support in finding a solution during their meeting last year on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Hiroshima.