Bridging Nations, Building Peace: India and Ukraine Together for a Better Tomorrow

“संपर्केण सौहार्दं, सहयोगेण समृद्धिः।”

“Through connection, harmony; through cooperation, prosperity.”

The recent visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Ukraine marks a significant chapter in the diplomatic relations between India and Ukraine, reviving the ties between the two nations. During this historic visit, which has garnered substantial international attention, four key agreements were signed, covering agriculture, medicine, culture, and humanitarian assistance cooperation. These agreements symbolize not only the resilience of bilateral relations but also India’s consistent position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasizing that lasting peace can only be achieved through dialogue and diplomacy

India and Ukraine established diplomatic relations soon after Ukraine gained independence following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. India was among the first countries to recognize Ukraine officially in January 1992. The Embassy of India was opened in Kyiv in May 1992, and Ukraine reciprocated by opening its first Asian mission in New Delhi in February 1993. Despite these early initiatives, the relationship between the two countries has often been characterized by cautious engagement, particularly due to India’s historical ties with Russia.

During the Cold War, India’s strategic partnership with the Soviet Union, which included substantial defense and economic cooperation, naturally extended to its relationship with Ukraine. The bond between India and the Soviet Union was symbolized by the slogan “Hindi-Rusi bhai-bhai” (Indians and Russians are brothers), a sentiment that was echoed by Soviet leaders, including those of Ukrainian origin, such as Nikita Khrushchev and Leonid Brezhnev. This period saw significant cooperation between India and Ukraine, particularly in the fields of defence and industry.

However, the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the emergence of Russia as India’s principal partner in the post-Soviet space led to a lull in India-Ukraine relations. While Ukraine continued to be a valuable partner in various sectors, including defence, the relationship with Ukraine did not  reach its full potential. The equation between the two countries was complicated by Ukraine’s evolving foreign policy, increasingly aligned with the US and the EU, which at times included criticism of India’s nuclear tests and its stance on Kashmir.

Decline in Bilateral Cooperation Post Russia-Ukraine War

The Russia-Ukraine war, which began in 2014 with the annexation of Crimea by Russia and escalated into a full-scale conflict in 2022, has had a profound impact on India-Ukraine relations. The war led to a significant decline in bilateral trade, which fell from $3.39 billion in 2021-22 to $0.71 billion in 2023-24. This decline reflects the broader challenges facing the relationship, including disruptions to supply chains, particularly in key sectors such as agriculture and defence. India’s response to the conflict between Russia-Ukraine has been one of careful neutrality. While India has expressed concern over the humanitarian impact of the war, it has refrained from criticising Russia, a key strategic partner. This stance has led to some tension in India-Ukraine relations, with Kyiv seeking greater support from India. However, India’s emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy as the path to peace has also been appreciated. Prime Minister Modi’s visit was seen as a significant step towards reinvigorating the links between the two States.

Despite the challenges, India and Ukraine have continued to cooperate in several key areas, including economics, humanitarian assistance, culture, and institutional collaboration. These areas of cooperation have provided a foundation for the recent agreements signed during Prime Minister Modi’s visit. Ukraine as a Soviet Republic naturally supported India’s position in the international arena, particularly during the 1971 war with Pakistan. The relationship was further strengthened by regular high-level visits and interactions between leaders, including periodic communications between Hon’ble Prime Minister Modi and former (now interim) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The recent agreements are expected to further enhance the mutual cooperation. The cooperation is also likely to extend to multilateral forums, where India and Ukraine can work together on issues such as global security, climate change, and economic development.

Defence cooperation has been a cornerstone of India-Ukraine relations since the early 1990s. Ukraine has been a key supplier of military technology and equipment to India, including the R-27 air-to-air missiles used on India’s SU-30MKI fighters. In recent years, India has also begun exporting defense equipment to Ukraine, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict with Russia. The signing of the recent agreements opens opportunities for joint development and production of military technologies. This cooperation could include the exchange of expertise and technology in areas such as cyber defence, unmanned aerial systems, and advanced weaponry. 

Economic cooperation between India and Ukraine has seen significant growth over the past 25 years, with bilateral trade reaching $3.386 billion before the war, as noted earlier. India has been one of Ukraine’s largest export destinations, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, with key exports including agricultural products, metallurgical goods, and plastics. Conversely, India’s exports to Ukraine have primarily consisted of pharmaceuticals, machinery, chemicals, and food products. The recent agreements are expected to foster renewed economic cooperation, particularly in agriculture, technology, and infrastructure sectors. The agreements also open up new avenues for investment, with Indian companies expected to enter the market for Ukraine’s planned  post-war reconstruction.

Humanitarian assistance has been a critical component of India’s response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. India has provided 12 consignments of humanitarian aid to Ukraine, totaling 99.3 tons, including medicines, blankets, tents, tarpaulins, and medical equipment. Indian pharmaceutical companies have also donated more than USD 8 million worth of medical aid and financial assistance to support Ukraine’s healthcare system. During Prime Minister Modi’s visit, a significant aspect of the humanitarian assistance package was the introduction of the “Cube BHISHM” humanitarian cubes, developed by the Made-in-India company aggregator Green Genome. These innovative cubes contain a range of essential medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and emergency kits, designed to accelerate the treatment of the injured and save valuable lives in conflict zones.

The Cube BHISHM cubes represent a groundbreaking approach to delivering humanitarian aid, focusing on portability, efficiency, and comprehensiveness. Each cube is equipped with trauma kits, portable medical devices, and emergency supplies. The cubes are designed to be easily transportable, allowing for quick distribution to frontline healthcare workers and emergency responders.

The cubes are expected to play a vital role in alleviating the suffering caused by the conflict, particularly in regions where access to healthcare is limited. 

The Indian diaspora in Ukraine, although relatively small, has played an important role in fostering cultural and economic ties between the two countries. Comprising mainly business professionals and students, particularly in healthcare, the Indian community in Ukraine has been actively involved in various initiatives to support both countries.

The recent agreements illustrate the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening bilateral relations. Initiatives such as the celebration of International Yoga Day, the promotion of Indian art forms, and the organisation of cultural events by the Indian community in Ukraine have helped to build mutual understanding and appreciation between the two nations. Cultural cooperation has been a vibrant aspect of India-Ukraine relations, with more than 30 Ukrainian cultural associations and groups actively promoting Indian art, yoga, philosophy, Ayurveda, and spirituality. 

One notable example of cultural cooperation is the shooting of Indian films in Ukraine, including the iconic Oscar-winning song “Natu-Natu”. 

Institutional cooperation has been a key component of India-Ukraine relations, with programs such as the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) playing a central role in fostering collaboration. Under ITEC, nearly 40 Ukrainian nationals benefit from fully funded scholarships to study in India, while the ICCR offers fully funded scholarships to Ukrainian students pursuing higher studies in India.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Ukraine and the signing of four new agreements mark a significant milestone in India-Ukraine relations. The visit also underscores India’s consistent position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving disputes. India’s support for Ukraine, particularly in the form of humanitarian assistance and cultural exchanges, demonstrates the country’s commitment to all friendly states in times of need.