Ukraine's First Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova, who is on a maiden visit to India, has urged New Delhi to consider the participation of Ukraine officials at the events of G20, stating that the warn-torn country's president Vlodomyr Zelenskyy would be happy to speak.
During her address at a think tank in New Delhi, Dzhaparova said that India can bring the crisis in Ukraine to the forefront through its G20 presidency by inviting Ukrainian officials to the G-20 events and summit. "Our expectations are quite clear. We believe that discussion about the economy and future economy, the economic situation in the world is not possible without the discussion about the repercussions of the war of Russia against Ukraine", said the minister.
"Because it has an impact on the economic growth and to the economies of G20. So, our message to India is to consider the participation of Ukraine officials at the events of G20, be it side events or the Summit, the one on the parliament level, or the September summit that will take place in New Delhi. I believe that my President will also be happy to speak up on behalf of the Ukrainian people", she added.
"Today India plays a very important role in the world. The presidency of G20 brings additional responsibility. India may take this leadership by involving Ukraine in its agenda and helping Ukraine to bring its story. People-to-people contact is the best way to communicate," said Dzhaparova.
She also said that the Crimea episode had a lesson for India which too "has a difficult neighbourhood with China and Pakistan." Dzhaparova said that whenever impunity happens and if it is not stopped, it becomes bigger.
However, she claimed that Ukraine's relationship with Pakistan "is not directed against India's interests." The minister said her country's military ties with Islamabad began in the 90s.
"The relationship with Pakistan was never directed against the relationship with India. I know that there are some sensitive messages about military contracts, but let me reiterate that we had contracts since the 90s..two decades ago", said the minister.
Dzhaparova also hoped that Indian officials, including national security adviser Ajit Doval who visited Moscow in February and held talks with President Vladimir Putin, will also visit Kyiv.
"We expect the visit of Ajit Doval. Russia has more time to make visits. We are facing a war. We have to defend. Sometimes you may want to do something but can't. My visit is a mark of friendship for a better relationship with India, but it requires reciprocity. We would be happy to welcome Indian officials to Kyiv," said the minister.
"Now people of Ukraine closely watch the comments of different leaders as well as PM Modi and the travels of National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval. When he went to Moscow three times, of course, it's not a question if he would come to Kyiv. We would be happy to welcome leaders and officials of India in Kyiv," added Dzhaparova.
