In a telephone conversation on Wednesday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba discussed bilateral relations and further cooperation on the Ukraine-Russia peace formula with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Kuleba, addressing the media, stated that his first call in 2024 was with Dr S Jaishankar, focusing on Ukrainian-Indian relations. He informed Jaishankar of Russia's recent escalation, involving terror and mass air attacks caujsing civilian suffering and destruction. The discussion also touched upon cooperation on the Peace Formula and Ukraine's vision for the Global Peace Summit of leaders.
Kuleba and Jaishankar agreed to convene the first meeting of the India-Ukraine Inter-Governmental Commission since 2018 in the near future. Kuleba emphasized that revitalizing this primary mechanism would enable comprehensive progress in bilateral ties.
Despite India's increased purchases of Russian oil, the country has maintained a diplomatic stance on the conflict in Ukraine. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a September 2023 conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasized the era of peace rather than war.
India's deepening ties with Russia, historically its primary source of arms and defense equipment, have been notable. Additionally, India's augmented purchases of Russian oil, taking advantage of discounted prices following a European ban on Russian oil imports, underscore its strategic considerations.
Amid these diplomatic moves, Russia launched a "record" 90 drones in New Year's Eve attacks on Ukraine, resulting in casualties. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted most of the drones, although the attacks followed Moscow's deadliest strikes on Ukrainian cities in nearly two years of war. The protracted conflict continues, with both sides bracing for sustained hostilities after Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022 failed to achieve its objectives despite significant casualties.
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