Ukraine Minister Calls India 'Vishwaguru'; Seeks More Humanitarian Assistance, Kyiv's G20 Participation

President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has written a letter to the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. The Deputy Foreign Minister, Emine Dzapharova, sent the letter to the MoS, Ministry of External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi, according to the report.

During her meeting with Lekhi, Dzapharova requested for more humanitarian assistance. Ukraine also sought the participation of President Zelensky in the upcoming G20 Summit, which is scheduled to be held in September under India's Presidency. However, there has been no official response from India on the matter so far.

One of the major requests made by Ukraine was for additional humanitarian supplies, which included medicines and medical equipment. In response to this, Meenakshi Lekhi tweeted that India has assured enhanced humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.

Foreign medical students, including thousands of Indian students who had to leave Ukraine due to the war, will be able to take the Unified State Qualification Exam in their home country, according to the Ukrainian Minister. This decision will provide great relief to these students.

The Ukrainian Minister urged New Delhi's greater involvement in resolving the war with Russia and requested a visit by PM Modi and other top officials.

Ukraine cannot advise India regarding its economic relations with other nations, according to her statement, seeming to refer to Delhi's energy connections with Moscow.

During the meeting, the Minister referred to India as a 'Vishwaguru' capable of addressing global challenges.

"I think India is a global player. It is really a 'Vishwaguru' of the world. We are feeling the pain by actually fighting for the values. This is about justice... Russia is questioning the very existence of my country. In our history of 1,500 years, Ukraine never attacked any country," she said.

"There is one message with which I have come to India. Ukraine really wants India and Ukraine to be closer. Yes, there is a history between us. But we want to start a new relationship with India," Dzhaparova said.

"India also has a difficult neighbourhood with China and Pakistan. The Crimea episode has a lesson for India as well. Whenever impunity happens and if it is not stopped, it becomes bigger," she added.