When the full-scale war erupted in February 2022, it struck the Indian community in Ukraine as a complete shock. While the focus in India was on the dramatic evacuation of Indian medical students, long-term Indian residents in Ukraine faced difficult choices. Having invested decades in their businesses and local connections, they couldn’t simply pack up and leave.
“I had to relocate my factory from Kyiv to Marshyntsy in Chernivtsi Oblast near the Romanian border. My workers and their families depended on me. I couldn’t abandon them,” says Nagender Parashar. His prosthetics manufacturing business and centers have become a vital source of hope for Ukrainian amputees injured in the war. “I gradually moved my staff to Marshyntsy to continue our operations,” he adds.
Ram Dange, another long-term Indian resident and businessman, describes the hardships faced by the Indian community in Kyiv. “Before 2022, there were around 2,500 long-term Indian residents in Ukraine. Many of us are married and have families here. The outbreak of the war forced us to relocate our loved ones to safer places, while we stayed behind to sustain our businesses. We are eagerly anticipating PM Modi’s visit and have made a joint appeal for his intervention. We support his stance against the use of force and hope he will help resolve this devastating conflict.”
PM Modi’s visit marks the first by a sitting Indian Prime Minister to independent Ukraine. Mridula Ghosh, a professor of international relations at National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, sees the visit as a potential shift in India’s stance. “Many interpret this visit as a balancing act following Modi’s recent trip to Russia, which coincided with Russian missile strikes on Ukraine. However, it may also signal a move away from Russian influence. Modi’s visit could open a new chapter in India-Ukraine relations with high-level political engagement.”
Parashar adds, “From our perspective, this visit is crucial for restoring our self-respect. Since the war began, we have faced criticism for India’s neutral stance. Modi’s meeting with President Zelensky will help counter that perception and ease our situation.”
Dange elaborates, “We prefer alignment with democracies like Ukraine rather than autocracies such as Russia and China. Moreover, Ukraine could serve as a gateway to the EU for Indian businesses. Thus, PM Modi’s efforts to resolve the war would be immensely beneficial for us.”
