Shared values, common future

Strengthening international security, ensuring food and energy security and safeguarding freedom of navigation fully align with India’s core interests. India will advance these goals if it uses its considerable influence on Moscow to stop the war

- By Dr Oleksandr Polishchuk Ambassador of Ukraine

In August, the Republic of India and Ukraine traditionally exchange greetings on the occasion of their respective independence days. In his message this year, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the contribution of our countries and peoples to the struggle for freedom and dignity. The president also emphasised several promising areas of mutually beneficial Ukrainian-Indian cooperation, such as science, technology, trade and culture.

The profound historical roots of the ties between our nations reach back to the era of Aryavarta, the legendary “land of the noble Aryans,” which, according to some researchers, was located on the territory of present-day Ukraine.

Ukraine's independence and the end of empire

Modern history of Ukraine began on August 24, 1991, when our parliament adopted the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine. The Act was subsequently endorsed by a nationwide referendum on December 1, 1991, in which more than 90 per cent of Ukrainian citizens voted in favour. The centuries-long aspiration of Ukrainians for freedom and dependence was ultimately realised in a democratic manner, echoing the principle of nonviolence proclaimed by Mahatma Gandhi.

It is worth noting that the regions currently under temporary Russian occupation strongly supported Ukraine's independence in 1991. The referendum results were: Donetsk region-83.9 per cent, Luhansk region-83.86 per cent, the Autonomous Republic of Crimea-54.19 per cent and Sevastopol-57.07 per cent, in favour of independence.