President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting in Kyiv with India’s Minister of External Affairs, Subramanyam Jaishankar. The two sides discussed ways to bring the Russian-Ukrainian war to an end, the situation in the Black Sea, the safety of civilian shipping and the supply of Ukrainian foodstuffs. Jaisankar’s visit holds particular diplomatic significance: according to Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiga, this is the first-ever separate bilateral visit by an Indian Foreign Minister to Ukraine.
- Zelenskyy met with the Indian Foreign Minister.
- They spoke about the end of the war and peace.
- During the visit, the Russian Federation launched attacks using «Shahed» drones.
- They discussed the safety of shipping in the Black Sea.
- A separate issue is the protection of Ukrainian food exports.
Zelenskyy thanked India for its stance on peace
According to the President, Ukraine is grateful to India for its efforts to help bring the Russian war to an end. Zelenskyy emphasised that the present time should not be a time of war, and that international partners must take a clear stand in favour of a lasting peace.
Peace efforts were one of the central themes of Jaishankar’s visit. Earlier that day, Sibiga stated, following talks with his Indian counterpart, that he was looking forward to «a new dynamic» in diplomatic efforts regarding the end of the war.
The Ukrainian Foreign Minister also cited bilateral cooperation, freedom of navigation in the Black Sea and global food security as key topics of the talks.
Russia launched «Shahed» drones during the visit
Zelenskyy pointed out that it was precisely whilst the Indian minister was in Kyiv that Russia once again resorted to jet-powered strike drones.
The President noted that the delegation’s security was ensured, in particular, by Ukrainian air defence forces and combat aircraft.
Russia has recently significantly stepped up its use of high-speed drones. On the night of 3 September, the Air Force reported an attack involving 163 drones of various types, with around half of the «Shaheds» being jet-powered. Air defence forces shot down or neutralised 135 aerial targets.
On the same day, Zelenskyy stated that, due to jet-powered drones, air raid alerts in many Ukrainian cities and communities were practically non-stop, and described this as a new escalation on Russia’s part.
Ukraine and India discussed the Black Sea
Another key issue in the talks was the situation in the Black Sea.
Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine and India agree that it is unacceptable to block food supplies to countries and regions that depend on sea routes.
Ukraine has repeatedly emphasised in recent times that Russian attacks on ports, civilian vessels and maritime infrastructure pose a threat not only to the Ukrainian economy, but also to global food security. The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also expressed this position during negotiations with other international partners.
Kyiv is counting on India to play a more active role
India maintains contacts with both Ukraine and Russia and has repeatedly emphasised the need for a diplomatic resolution to the war.
It is important for Kyiv that major powers outside Europe make more active use of their political influence to put an end to Russian aggression.
Jaisankhar’s visit to Kyiv is taking place against the backdrop of Ukraine’s attempts to step up its diplomatic efforts. Sibiga stated that he expects political and diplomatic activity to pick up in many world capitals in the near future.
