India-Russia ties fading from Soviet shadow — Ukrainian FM Kuleba

The current relations between India and Russia largely stem from the Soviet legacy but are increasingly becoming a thing of the past, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said in an interview with the Financial Times on March 29.

"The co-operation between India and Russia is largely based on the Soviet legacy," Kuleba said.

The historical ties binding India and Russia, steeped in Soviet legacy, are gradually losing their relevance, according to him.

Kuleba's comments come against the backdrop of the tense border dispute between India and China, which escalated into lethal confrontations in 2020, claiming at least 24 lives. This conflict has led to a significant military presence in the Himalayas, a development that Kuleba believes should steer India to scrutinize its ties with Russia, especially considering the growing China-Russia relationship.

Read also: China could play key role in ending Russia's war – Ukrainian FM

On the bilateral front, Kuleba sees a promising horizon for Indian-Ukrainian relations, particularly in trade and technology. He envisions a post-war Ukraine emerging as a global hub for reconstruction, inviting Indian firms to play a key role in this transformative phase.

“After the war, Ukraine will probably become the largest construction site in the world, and Indian companies are welcome to participate in the recovery,” Kuleba said.

Kuleba arrived in India for the first time on March 28 on an official visit, during which he intends to "pay specific attention to the Peace Formula."

Ukrainian-Indian relations

India maintains a neutral position on Russia's war against Ukraine. Kuleba earlier criticized the country for ignoring Western sanctions against Russia and intensifying energy trade with the aggressor.

Read also: Ukrainian FM Kuleba's visit to New Delhi: bilateral partnerships in focus

Last time Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Hiroshima last year on the sidelines of the G7 summit. Modi expressed India's "clear support for dialogue and diplomacy."

Kuleba's current visit also aims to address the involvement of Indian nationals in the conflict, shedding light on deceptive recruitment practices by Russian agencies and the participation of some Indians in the Ukrainian resistance.

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