With the participation of Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, the business forum Ukraine-India: Comprehensive Partnership was held in Mumbai on Wednesday, March 19, jointly organized by the World Trade Centre (WTC) Mumbai, the All India Association of Industries and the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of India.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the event became a landmark event in strengthening economic ties between Ukraine and India and the practical development of the agreements reached by the leaders of the two countries, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Narendra Modi, during last year’s visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine.

“Today we are talking about opportunities. Our bilateral relations have enormous potential. Throughout history, Ukraine and India have had truly close ties. And we are ready to develop our bilateral relations. India’s role is very important and we invite you to actively cooperate with Ukrainian partners,” said Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, addressing the forum participants.

The Foreign Minister drew the attention of those present that on the eve of the forum, the first batch of Ukrainian apples arrived at the port of Mumbai, which is a symbolic evidence of a new stage in the development of Ukrainian-Indian cooperation.

The Minister also informed the forum participants about Ukraine’s commitment to the peace process, its desire to end the war with a just peace, and the importance of guaranteeing freedom of navigation in the Black Sea.

In turn, Maharashtra State Minister Jaykumar Rawal expressed gratitude to the Foreign Minister and deep respect for the Ukrainian people in connection with the opening of the Ukrainian diplomatic mission in Mumbai. He expressed his belief that this step will allow developing cooperation between the two countries.

“I am convinced that with the opening of the Consulate General of Ukraine in Mumbai, trade and bilateral cooperation between Ukraine and India will reach a qualitatively new level,” the official said.

The forum was attended by more than 130 representatives of leading Indian companies from various sectors of the economy, including IT, agro-industry, defense-industrial complex, pharmaceuticals and construction.

An important aspect of the event was the presentation of India's capabilities in areas of critical importance to Ukraine. Horizon Group demonstrated advanced solutions in humanitarian demining and is already undergoing relevant certification in Ukraine.

At the same time, the Minister highly appreciated the contribution of Parashar Industries, owned by an Indian citizen living in Ukraine. The company is engaged in the development and production of prostheses that help our wounded defenders return to a full life.