Emine Dzhaparova
In an apparent reference to India’s two major neighbors, Pakistan and China, Ukraine has suggested that India recognize the dangers of not stopping those who prefer to push their agenda with impunity.
Emine Dzhaparova, Ukraine’s First Deputy Foreign Minister, told the diplomatic corps, former envoys, and media at the ICWA today that the events preceding Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year could serve as an example of how to deal with difficult neighbors.
“I’ve come to India to deliver one message. Ukraine sincerely desires closer ties with India. Yes, we have a history together. But we want to develop a new relationship with India”, Ms. Dzhaparova said at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA).
“India also has a difficult neighboring relationship with China and Pakistan. The Crimea episode teaches India a lesson as well. Whenever impunity occurs, and it is not stopped, it grows”, she explained.
Her remarks were interpreted as a reference to India’s territorial issues with Pakistan and China, as well as the current tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, where Chinese troops frequently attempt to change the status quo despite de-escalation discussions.
Russia annexed Crimea in eastern Ukraine in 2014, eight years before commencing a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine was convinced that Russia was contemplating a big invasion in 2016 after President Vladimir Putin ordered a force buildup on its border and renewed the aggressive language that had preceded his annexation of Crimea two years before.
Dzhaparova, on the other hand, stated unequivocally that Ukraine is not in a position to ask India how it maintains its economic contacts with other countries, a clear reference to New Delhi’s energy ties with Moscow. Despite Western sanctions against Russia, India has continued buying inexpensive Russian oil, claiming that Indians’ demand for affordable oil comes first, and India will go wherever it gets a good price.
She stated that Ukraine would welcome National Security Adviser Ajit Doval’s visit.
“We anticipate Ajit Doval’s visit. Russia has more time to travel. We are in the midst of a war. Sometimes you want to do something but are unable to… My visit is a gesture of friendship towards a better relationship with India, but reciprocity is required”, Ms. Dzhaparova added.
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