India 'vishwaguru', should use G20 presidency to highlight Ukraine crisis: Ukrainian minister

Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova, who is on a visit to India, said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would be "happy" to address the G20 summit, slated to be held in September. She requested India to use its G20 presidency and highlight the crisis in war-hit Ukraine. (South Asian Insider Bureau) - Ukraine has termed India as 'vishwaguru' and called on New Delhi to use its G20 presidency to highlight the crisis in the war-ravaged European country by inviting Ukrainian officials to the multilateral forum.
Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would be "happy" to address the G20 summit, slated to be held in September.
India, through its G20 presidency, can bring attention to the Ukraine crisis by inviting Ukrainian officials to the G20 events and the main summit, Dzhaparova said on Tuesday.
"Our expectations are quite clear. We believe that discussion about the economy and future economy and the economic situation in the world is not possible without discussion about the repercussions of the war with Russia against Ukraine," she said.
"Because it has an impact on the economic growth and the economies of the G20. So, our message to India is to consider the participation of Ukrainian officials at the events of the 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 continued.
India is currently holding the G20 presidency for a year till November 30, 2023.
Dzhaparova further said, "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."
Dzhaparova is the first high-ranking official from Ukraine to visit India since Russia invaded the European country on February 24 last year.
UKRAINE DEPUTY FM CALLS INDIA 'VISHWAGURU'
Dzhaparova termed India 'vishwaguru' (spiritual mentor of the world) and called on New Delhi to play a "greater role" in the Ukraine crisis.
"We see the role of India as 'vishwaguru'... Sometimes we have countries that choose war instead of love and friendship. India as a 'vishwaguru' can play a bigger and greater role. We also welcome efforts to resolve the war," she said.
"We are the most interested country to stop this war because our people have been killed and our infrastructure have been damaged," she added.
PRAGMATIC APPROACH FOR UKRAINE CRISIS
Dzhaparova stated that while Kyiv respects New Delhi's decision to strengthen relations with other countries, she said that there should be a "pragmatic approach" while dealing with the crisis in Ukraine.
"We respect the decision of the sovereign country, India, to build up relations with other countries... But the message from Ukraine is there should be consideration of a pragmatic and balanced approach. Being with Russia is being on the wrong side of history...," she asserted."Ukraine really wants India to come closer to it. We had different pages in history but now Ukraine is gaining independence. We are now capable of being the subject, not the object," Dzhaparova said.
'RUSSIAN SOLDIERS STEAL TOILET BOWLS'
Touching upon the war crimes being committed in the war-torn country, Dzhaparova said that intercepted conversations of Russian soldiers and their wives and mothers revealed that they were about stealing households in Ukraine, which includes "toilet bowls".
"When we received intercepted conversations of Russian soldiers with their wives and mothers, they are about what to steal from Ukrainian households, they steal sometimes even toilet bowls," she said.
UKRAINE DEPUTY FM'S ENGAGEMENTS IN INDIA
During her visit to India from April 10-12, Dzhaparova held bilateral talks with Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West), MEA. The bilateral agenda included spheres such as economic, defence, humanitarian assistance, and global issues of mutual interest."She briefed Secretary (West) about the prevailing situation in Ukraine. The two sides agreed to hold the next round of Foreign Office Consultations in Kyiv on a mutually convenient date," a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
On the issue of Indian medical students, the Ukraine minister mentioned that her country will allow foreign medical students to take the Unified State Qualification Exam in their country of domicile.

The Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister also proposed that rebuilding infrastructure in Ukraine could be an opportunity for Indian companies. "Secretary (West) shared that India has provided medicines, medical equipment and would provide school buses etc. to Ukraine," the statement said.

Dzhaparova also called on Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi and held discussions on a wide range of bilateral and international issues of mutual interest. She handed over a letter from Zelensky addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Ukraine requests additional humanitarian supply, including medicines and medical equipment was also shared by her. It was agreed that the next Inter-Governmental Commission between the two countries would be held in India on a mutually convenient date," the statement said.

Dzhaparova visited the Manohar Parrikar-Institute of Defence Studies, and also delivered a talk at the Indian Council of World Affairs.

During her visit, the minister highlighted Ukraine's desire to build a stronger and closer relationship with India, the MEA said.