New York[US]: Ukraine values India’s engagement in efforts to restore freedom of navigation in the Black Sea, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said during a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
The two ministers discussed peace efforts, bilateral cooperation and international developments, including the situation in the Black Sea and its implications for markets. Sybiha also underlined the importance of restoring freedom of navigation for global food security.
“I was pleased to meet with Dr S Jaishankar to discuss peace efforts, bilateral cooperation, and international developments. We spoke about the situation in the Black Sea and its market implications. Restoring freedom of navigation is critical for global food security. Ukraine is ready to play a constructive role and we value India’s engagement,” Sybiha said in a post on X.
The discussions also covered preparations for the next meeting of the India-Ukraine bilateral intergovernmental commission. Sybiha said the meeting would have a strong business component, with a focus on innovation.
“We also discussed preparations for the next meeting of our bilateral intergovernmental commission in the nearest future. It will involve a strong business component with an emphasis on innovation. Ukraine is interested in developing active partnership with India in science, education, technology, agriculture, IT, pharmaceuticals, and other areas,” he said.
Jaishankar, in a post on X, said the meeting provided an opportunity to discuss developments since his recent visit to Ukraine.
“Welcomed the opportunity to meet FM Andrii Sybiha again, after my recent visit to Ukraine. Our conversation focused on developments over the past few weeks,” he said.
The two ministers had also discussed Black Sea security, freedom of navigation and global food security during Jaishankar’s visit to Kyiv earlier this month. India has raised concerns over attacks on commercial shipping in the region, including their impact on seafarers and countries dependent on maritime trade.
During his engagements in New York, Jaishankar also met Moldova’s Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi.
“A good meeting with FM Mihai Popsoi of Moldova UNGA81. Noted the progress in our bilateral political, economic and educational ties. Exchanged views on the Ukraine conflict,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.
Jaishankar also co-chaired the Partners for Multilateralism, International Law, Peace & Prosperity (P4M) Summit with European Council President António Costa on the sidelines of the UNGA.
He stressed the importance of multilateralism in addressing geopolitical tensions and conflicts, while highlighting the need for international law, rules and norms. He also called for reformed multilateralism and more participative and transparent decision-making in the UN system.
The engagements come as Jaishankar participates in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he has held discussions with counterparts on bilateral relations, international developments and multilateral cooperation. The UNGA’s 81st session began on September 8, 2026.
(DD News)