How India Ukraine relations evolved historically? What is significance of this partnership.

Prime Minister Modi visit to Ukraine was the first ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine, since diplomatic relations were established between the two countries in the year 1992, PM Modi arrived Ukraine by a 10 hours journey by train. The two countries signed four agreements covering cooperation in agriculture, medicine, culture, and humanitarian assistance as reported. This visit is historical and will mark deep in diplomacy. Lets know how the relations of India Ukraine have evovlved over time?

Image Via: Instagram handle @narendramodi.

Background of India Ukraine relations

India was among the earliest nations to acknowledge Ukraine following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Diplomatic relations between India and Ukraine were formalized in January 1992, culminating in the establishment of the Embassy of India in Kyiv (Ukraine) in May 1992. Subsequently, Ukraine inaugurated its Mission in New Delhi in February 1993, marking its inaugural diplomatic presence in Asia.

However as historically India is close to Russia (it is natural friendship), the bilateral relations have deteriorated following the Russia-Ukraine conflict. For instance, the trade volume between India and Ukraine decreased from USD 3.39 billion in the fiscal year 2021-22 to USD 0.71 billion in 2023-24.

Historically, the Soviet Union, led by Ukrainian-born Leonid Brezhnev, provided support to India during the 1971 conflict with Pakistan. The phrase "Hindi-Rusi bhai-bhai," which translates to "Indo-Soviet brotherhood," was introduced by Nikita Khrushchev, the Ukrainian leader of the USSR.

Since gaining independence, Ukraine has served as a significant provider of military technology and equipment to India. For instance, the R-27 air-to-air missiles produced by Ukraine are utilized on the SU-30MKI fighter jets operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Cooperation during the Russia - Ukraine war

India has commenced the export of defense equipment to Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.

During the Russia - Ukraine war, India has delivered 12 shipments totaling 99.3 tons of humanitarian aid to Ukraine, this assistance includes medicines, blankets, tents, tarpaulins, and medical equipment. Additionally, Indian pharmaceutical companies have contributed over USD 8 million in medical supplies and financial support to Ukraine.

Challenges to India Ukraine relations

The decline in trade has adversely affected India's imports of agricultural products, machinery, and military equipment from Ukraine. For instance, the disruption in the supply chain of sunflower oil has contributed to rising inflation within the country.

India's ongoing relationship with Russia, coupled with its choice to refrain from publicly criticizing Moscow, has somewhat diminished the enthusiasm for geopolitical cooperation between India and Ukraine.

Ukraine's past criticisms of India's nuclear testing and its stance on Kashmir have also posed challenges to India's comprehensive engagement with Ukraine.

Conclusion

Not it will be interesting to see how the world would react, previously when PM Modi met Russian president Vladimir Putin in July 2024, it invited sharp reactions from many western countries. Nevertheless, this is very top notch foreign policy by India and a display of getting the things done in the middle of policy paralysis in internationa; relations where evry other organization is non functional and powerful countries are at indirect war and pushing the world to the darkness.

Listen to our Podcast on Modi's visit to Ukraine here: https://youtu.be/GKICaQRgreI?si=JZsHiMalfcRy6UOC

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