On March 18, 2025, S. Jaishankar, held talks with Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi. The ministers met to discuss bilateral relations and ways to de-escalate the ongoing conflict with Russia in Ukraine.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
During the meeting both ministers noted the importance of strengthening the cooperation of bilateral relations between India and Ukraine. Moreover, to demonstrate their commitment to this goal opened a Consulate General in Mumbai, India.
Jaishankar said the newly opened General Consulate of Ukraine and along with the protocol agreement signed on visa-free travel for officials would further strengthen bilateral relations. Sybiha thanked India for its leadership role in technology. Subsequently, cited opportunities for the expansion of cooperation.
He stated that although there may be difficulty for others, Ukraine is expanding its diplomatic presence in India, helping Ukraine to expand trade, cooperation and dialogue, even through adversity.
Focus on Peace Negotiations
During the meeting, of specific interest, both ministers focused their talks on the ongoing efforts. In order to achieve some level of peace, especially with Sybiha providing Jaishankar with an overview on Ukraine’s account of peace negotiations.
Jaishankar expressed his thanks for the synopsis and expressed interest in peace in the region because of the ongoing crisis. This meeting was only hours in advance of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recap before a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The meeting that aimed to check-in on a possible ceasefire seems to amp up urgency. Ukraine is in the middle of a transition from taking advantage of open borders and authority to govern.
India’s Position on the Conflict
From India ‘s perspective, as it relates to the Russia-Ukraine conflict since February 2022. India’s consistent position is to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
Their position has consistently included defense against factors that exhibit a violation of territorial integrity. Also, sovereignty and to search for a resolution for a permanent level of peace and stability.
India’s Stance
In March 2024, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba visited New Delhi and held talks with Jaishankar. Their talks were candid and took place in an open setting focusing on the ongoing war and its wider ramifications.
In addition, they looked into various efforts to boost bilateral ties, such as trade, health, science and technology, and agriculture cooperation. Countries across the world continue their diplomatic efforts in response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Diplomatic Efforts Globally
These top-level meetings underscore India’s active participation in global peacemaking efforts. With its lines of communication open with Ukraine and Russia, India can act as a middle power that can bring about talks.
Ultimately, it can aid in brokering peace. Moving beyond resolving the ongoing conflict, India and Ukraine are seeing prospects for economic and technological cooperation. The establishment of the Ukrainian consulate in Mumbai is a wise move to strengthen economic ties as it’s the financial capital of India.
Technological Collaboration
The two countries see collaboration opportunities in IT, agriculture, defense, etc. Sybiha praised many of the technologies produced by India, adding that many of Ukraine’s wartime innovations could leverage India’s technology.
He noted that technology cooperation between the two holds great potential and can benefit either side in a plethora of sectors.The meeting between S. Jaishankar and Andrii Sybiha at the Raisina Dialogue. This shows that both countries think diplomacy is important and conflicts should be resolved peacefully.
As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine keeps affecting global power relationships, India’s active outreach to major players showcases its efforts to be a responsible global actor in support of peace and stability.
India and Ukraine are on a positive trajectory. This is due to strengthening bilateral ties and a common vision for technological and economic collaboration.
