Jaishankar Meets Zelenskyy in Kyiv
Jaishankar met Zelenskyy in Kyiv during his one-day visit to Ukraine. The meeting followed discussions with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on bilateral cooperation and regional developments.
According to Jaishankar, his conversation with Zelenskyy focused on approaches to ending the ongoing conflict and strengthening India-Ukraine relations.
Zelenskyy Welcomes India’s Peace Position
Following the meeting, Zelenskyy expressed appreciation for India’s stated commitment to ending the war.
He referred to India’s longstanding position that the current period should not be defined by war and stressed the need for peace. Zelenskyy said India’s position on ending the conflict was clear and welcomed New Delhi’s willingness to contribute to peace efforts.
Jaishankar Says Diplomacy Is the Answer
Jaishankar reiterated that the Russia-Ukraine conflict cannot be resolved on the battlefield and that dialogue, diplomacy and negotiations are necessary.
He noted that the war has entered its fifth year and that every additional day of fighting brings more deaths and destruction. India, he said, is prepared to assist peace efforts in any way that could be useful.
India Defends Russian Oil Purchases
The issue of India’s continued purchases of Russian oil also featured during Jaishankar’s visit. The minister said buying or not buying Russian oil would not itself resolve the war.
He stressed India’s responsibility to secure energy for more than 1.4 billion people, particularly when global energy conditions remain difficult. Jaishankar also said India respects Ukraine’s perspective but expects other countries to respect India’s own position.
Black Sea Security Discussed
The meeting also covered the security situation in the Black Sea, including threats to civilian and commercial shipping.
Zelenskyy raised concerns over disruptions to Ukrainian ports and maritime food routes. He argued that interference with food supplies could have consequences well beyond Ukraine.
Jaishankar highlighted the impact of attacks on commercial shipping on Indian seafarers and other countries in the Global South, particularly through higher risks to fuel, fertiliser and food supplies.
Drone Attacks During Jaishankar’s Visit
Zelenskyy said Russia launched jet-powered Shahed drones while Jaishankar was in Kyiv. He alleged that the drones had been developed with Iranian assistance.
According to Zelenskyy, Ukrainian fighter aircraft intercepted most of the drones, keeping the Indian delegation safe. The incident highlighted the security risks surrounding the Indian minister’s visit amid the continuing conflict.
India-Ukraine Cooperation Beyond the War
The talks also focused on strengthening bilateral relations. Areas discussed included energy, infrastructure, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, digital technology and education.
India has also provided humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, including medical supplies and other essential support. New Delhi has indicated that it remains willing to contribute constructively where it can.
Modi-Putin Meeting Adds Diplomatic Context
Jaishankar’s Kyiv visit came shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin and called for an end to the war.
The sequence of the two engagements underlines India’s attempt to maintain communication with both Moscow and Kyiv. New Delhi continues to present dialogue and diplomacy as the preferred route to a settlement while protecting its own strategic and economic interests.
Conclusion
The Jaishankar-Zelenskyy meeting marks another significant diplomatic engagement between India and Ukraine. Zelenskyy’s praise for India’s commitment to peace reflects the importance Kyiv attaches to New Delhi’s position.
At the same time, India continues to defend its energy interests and maintain dialogue with Russia, demonstrating its broader strategy of strategic autonomy while encouraging a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
