On September 1, 2023 Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of India in collaboration with WTC Business & Industry Association and the Indo-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IUCCI) organized an Interactive Session “Motivation & Optimism: Sharing Experiences” dedicated to Ukraine’s Independence Day.
We were pleased to see such a great interest of both – participants in person and those who connected online.
An important outcome of the Interactive Session is signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the WTC Business and Industry Association and the Indo-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce. This kind of collaboration is crucial to build up new business-to-business opportunities between our countries.
Mr. Pradeep Agrawal, President, WTC Business & Industry Association stated:
“It is not just a coincidence that India and Ukraine share the month of August for the National Days. Both of the nations are the torch bearers of the progress. Today we gather to reflect on the significance of peace and harmony. Ukraine’s journey towards stability and tranquillity has been marked by challenges, but also by resilience and determination. Collaboration between the governments, civil society and businesses can create a sustainable framework for peace”.
Mr. Armi Channa, President of the Indo-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IUCCI) in his speech shared his personal touching story and special feelings to Ukraine. He emphasized the important role of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the initiatives of the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska in the face of russian aggression.
Mr. Channa made an inspiring statement:
“Ukraine is about to experience a Gold Rush, unprecedented in even the Post World War II era. The potential of Ukraine is unimaginable! IUCCI and I will leave no stone unturned to support Ukraine achieve its maximum potential – and then some more!”
It was also a pleasure to hear the quote of the famous Ukrainian poet and writer Taras Shevchenko, the Kobzar:
“Keep Fighting, You are sure to Win,
God Helps you in your fight.
For Fame and Freedom march with you
And right is on your side!”
Dr. Oleksandr Polishchuk, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of India in his welcome remarks stated:
“On August 24, one and a half years have passed since the full-scale Russian invasion. "Kyiv in three days" will forever remain in history as a synonym for the underestimation of Ukrainians. Our motivation is inspired by the courage of Ukrainian defenders, the resilience of the entire nation and of course, help of our partners. This is why we feel optimistic and we have no doubt that we will win this war”.
Distinguished guests from Ukraine connected to the discussion via ZOOM.
Ukrainian Members of Parliament Ms. Yulia Klymenko, First Deputy Head of Transport & Infrastructure Committee, and Mr. Sviatoslav Yurash, Member of the Committee on Foreign Policy and Interparliamentary Cooperation, briefed the participants on the damages to critical and social infrastructure, ecology and civilians caused by russian aggression. They also shared vision on possible ways of Indian participation on both governmental and private sector levels in investments and post war reconstruction of Ukraine. Ukrainian MPs also invited India for enhancing interparliamentary cooperation to develop more synergy between India and Ukraine.
Short documentaries on russian ecocide practices and infrastructure damages in Ukraine were also shown to the audience.
Dr. Mridula Ghosh, Professor of International Relations, National University of "Kyiv-Mohyla Academy"; Board Chair of the East European Development Institute, noted that there should better connectivity between India and Ukraine to accelerate people-to-people contacts in the business field, civil society, academia etc. She also pointed an important role of Indian diaspora in Ukraine in this context. Dr. Ghosh also emphasized the necessity of creating better knowledge of Ukraine among Indians, in particular through conducting the courses of Ukrainian language. There is a huge window of opportunity between India and Ukraine through the sports, as an example in chess and football, she added.
Ms. Hanna Hopko, former Member of Parliament of Ukraine, Chairwoman of the board of the NGO "Network for the Protection of National Interests” (ANTS), co-founder of the International Centre for Ukrainian Victory pointed that the damage to Ukrainian ecology caused by russian aggression amounts to 54 billion US dollars and 495 000 hectares, including national parks and biosphere reserves remain under russian occupation. She also reflected to her visit to New Delhi recently and invited India to stronger engagement in the post war reconstruction of Ukraine as well as on political level by condemning Russian aggression against Ukraine.
Ms. Olha Vorozhbyt, Deputy editor-in-chief of "Ukrayinskyi Tyzhden", affiliated expert of the Foreign Policy Council "Ukrainian Prism", pointed that roots of Ukrainian – Indian cooperation go back to the decades as during Soviet times Ukrainians participated in industrialisation of India. As an example Ms. Vorozhbyt remembered the character of Ivan Baglai from the novel by Ukrainian author Oles Honchar “The Cathedral” (Sobor), who came back from the site in India where he worked as engineer at the plant. The history should inspire us to deepen cooperation between India and Ukraine today so that we can construct mutual support on the international arena, she said.
Separate thanks for exceptional moderation of the event goes to Mr. Rudroneel Ghosh, journalist, Assistant Editor of the Times of India, and for valuable support, advice and help with organisation of the event to Dr. Yogesh Srivastav.
We express our sincere gratitude to all respected speakers and participants, Honourable Ambassadors, representatives of the Ukrainian community in India as well as Indian diaspora in Ukraine, for their interest, support and valuable inputs.