Ukraine Security Chief Rustem Umerov Meets Jaishankar And Doval To Boost India Ties

Kyiv: In a significant diplomatic engagement, Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council Secretary Rustem Umerov met with India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Friday. The high-level discussions aimed at enhancing security cooperation between the two nations amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, now approaching five years.

Umerov, who is considered extremely close to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is visiting India specifically to bolster ties. During his conversation with Doval, he provided a detailed briefing on the current situation along the frontline. The meetings also covered the broader Russia-Ukraine conflict and prospects for achieving a just, lasting, and sustainable peace.

New Delhi reiterated its longstanding position that a peaceful resolution to the conflict should be reached through dialogue and diplomacy. The talks reviewed bilateral relations and focused on advancing cooperation, including the implementation of agreements outlined in the joint statement issued after President Zelenskyy’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kyiv in August 2024.

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar noted on social media: “Discussed our bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on the Ukraine conflict.”

Umerov shared his perspective after the meetings, stating that he and Jaishankar “discussed the current situation on the front line, the progress of negotiations, and the prospects for achieving a just, lasting, and sustainable peace for Ukraine.” He expressed gratitude for the “open and substantive dialogue” and looked forward to further strengthening bilateral cooperation.

In his interaction with Doval, Umerov mentioned discussions on developing bilateral relations and assessing the security situation. He added that the Indian side reaffirmed its consistent position on the need for a peaceful settlement based on dialogue and diplomacy. “I am grateful for the shared understanding of the need to find solutions that will ensure a lasting peace,” he remarked.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that the two sides reviewed bilateral relations and discussed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, with NSA Doval reiterating India’s focus on peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.

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