Zelenskyy writes to PM Modi, requests extra humanitarian aid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has written to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting extra humanitarian aid, especially medical equipment, as per the external affairs ministry on Wednesday.

The request came during the Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova’s recent three-day visit to India, where she handed over Zelenskyy’s letter to Union Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakashi Lekhi, a statement from the foreign ministry said.

“Dzhaparova also spoke with Meenakashi Lekhi, and both the leaders discussed a wide variety of bilateral and international matters of mutual interest, she also forwarded a letter from President Zelenskyy, addressed to Prime Minister Modi.

Ukraine has requested extra humanitarian aid, including medications and medical supplies, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

The next Inter-Governmental Commission between New Delhi and Kiev would take place in India on a mutually suitable date, according to the statement.

India has promised to give Ukraine increased humanitarian aid. During their meeting, MoS Lekhi used her Twitter account to reaffirm what Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said during a bilateral meeting with President Vladimir Putin of Russia in September last year, “Today’s era is not one of war.”

“The Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister went on to say that Indian companies can play a vital role in the rebuilding of infrastructure in Ukraine.  Secretary (West) shared that India has provided medicines, medical equipment, and would provide school buses, etc. to Ukraine,” the MEA statement added.