India reiterates support for just peace in Ukraine at Republic Day reception
India has reaffirmed its support for a comprehensive, just and durable peace in Ukraine in line with international law and the UN Charter, including respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, India’s Ambassador to Ukraine Ravi Shankar said at a reception in Kyiv marking India’s 77th Republic Day.
Speaking in the presence of Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister Olexandr Mischenko, the ambassador said India supports "practical engagement among all stakeholders" and remains one of Ukraine’s major trading partners despite the ongoing war and that Indian companies “will be happy to play a role in the reconstruction and recovery effort in Ukraine,” pointing to potential cooperation in digital public infrastructure, manufacturing, green energy and emerging technologies.
According to the speech, India will continue humanitarian assistance and plans to fund a USD 1.5 million project to modernize the surgical centre of Zbarazh Central Hospital in Ternopil region under High Impact Community Development Projects.
The ambassador also highlighted growing interest in Indian culture and language in Ukraine and noted that a bilateral cultural cooperation programme provides a framework to expand exchanges, scholarships and people-to-people contacts.
India recognised Ukraine’s independence on December 26, 1991. Diplomatic relations were established on January 17, 1992, and the Embassy of India in Kyiv opened in May 1992.
Ukraine’s Embassy in New Delhi was established in February 1993. Republic Day is India’s national holiday celebrated on Jan 26 to mark the entry into force of the Constitution in 1950, when India became a sovereign democratic republic. The date was chosen to honor the Indian National Congress’ 1930 declaration of “Purna Swaraj” (complete self-rule).