New Delhi: India has pledged to provide increased humanitarian assistance to Ukraine in response to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Meenakashi Lekhi, the Union Minister of State for External Affairs, held discussions with Ukraine's First Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova on Tuesday on bilateral and global issues of mutual interest.
Following their meeting, MoS Meenakashi Lekhi took to her Twitter handle to reiterate what Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, during a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in September last year, "Today's era is not of war."
She tweeted, "Not a time for War - PM @narendramodi. Pleased to meet Ukrainian First Dy FM @EmineDzheppar. Exchanged views on bilateral and global issues of mutual interest. Cultural ties and women empowerment also figured in the discussion. Ukraine was assured of enhanced humanitarian assistance."
Meanwhile, Dzhaparova also tweeted to thank MoS Meenakashi Lekhi after their meeting on Tuesday. She tweeted, "Had a fruitful meeting with @M_Lekhi. Briefed Minister on #Ukraine's efforts to fight unprovoked aggression. Discussed deepening bilateral cooperation in various fields, in particular culture. Bookshelves and audio guides under patronage of @ZelenskaUA will be available soon in India."
Dzhaparova arrived in New Delhi for a four-day visit on Monday.
The visit of Emine Dzhaparavo to India is significant as it marks the first official visit of Ukraine since the commencement of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in February last year.
As part of her visit, Dzhaparova also held discussions with Sanjay Verma, the Secretary (West) of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday.
Prior to her arrival, the MEA in a press release noted, "India shares warm and friendly relations and multifaceted cooperation with Ukraine."
"Over the last 30 years of establishing diplomatic relations, bilateral cooperation between the two countries has made significant progress in the areas of trade, education, culture and defence. The visit will be an occasion to further mutual understanding and interests," read the official MEA release.