World Trade Center Mumbai organised an interactive meeting with a delegation of Ukraine government officials led by H.E. Mr. Andrii Sybiha, Hon’ble Minister for Foreign Affairs, Republic of Ukraine on March 19, 2025. The meeting was organised jointly with All India Association of Industries. The objective of this event was to discuss progress in peace talks to end Ukraine-Russia war and the business opportunities for Indian companies in post-war reconstruction of Ukraine.

Speaking on this occasion, H.E. Mr. Sybiha mentioned, “India and Ukraine have historic ties and we are keen to deepen it. Ukraine has accepted a ceasefire proposal to end our conflict with Russia and we hope Russia will also accept it unconditionally for long lasting peace and economic prosperity. With India’s support, I am confident we can expedite this peace deal. India can also play an important role in the reconstruction of Ukraine. According to the World Bank, USD 600 billion worth infrastructure such as roads, bridges, power, hospitals and other assets have been destroyed in the war. This is a great opportunity for Indian companies to reconstruct and restore infrastructure.”

On the sidelines of the meeting at WTC Mumbai, Hon’ble Ukrainian foreign minister inaugurated the Ukrainian consulate office in Mumbai and also its Honorary Consulate Office in Sri Lanka.

Mr. Jayakumar Raval, Hon’ble Minister of Marketing and Protocol, Government of Maharashtra delivered address as Guest of Honour at the event. The minister informed, “It is indeed a moment of great significance, and I extend hearty congratulations to the people of Ukraine as our trade and investment relations will scale to new heights with the opening of the Mumbai consulate office. This is a testament to the city’s diplomatic influence and credential as a global business hub.”

Earlier in his welcome address, Dr Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, WTC Mumbai remarked, “We are really grateful for the opportunity to host the Hon’ble Ukranian foreign minister at his maiden visit to Mumbai. We believe that wars are not settled in battlefield but on discussion table. We hope the positive development in negotiation in the last one month will lead to enduring peace and prosperity.”

In the coming years, we can promote two-way collaboration in areas such as tourism, logistics, shipping and construction where there is untapped potential, he mentioned.

Dr Kalantri informed that our Hon’ble Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Ukraine after the country attained independence in 1991.

The event was also addressed by H.E. Dr Oleksandr Polishchuk, Ambassador of Ukraine.

Capt. Somesh Batra, Vice Chairman, WTC Mumbai proposed vote of thanks for this event.  Capt. Batra extended all possible support on behalf of WTC Mumbai to the Ukrainian foreign minister for promoting bilateral economic relations.

The meeting facilitated business networking between Indian and Ukrainian companies in Agriculture, Auto, Construction, Defence, Education, FMCG, IT and Pharma.

The event was also addressed by Indian businessmen engaged in manufacturing of prosthetic products, explosive detection equipments and other manufacturing products in Ukraine. 

Headline Image: (from left to right): Ms. Sangeeta Jain, Senior Director, AIAI, Ms. Priya Pansare, Director, Trade & Investment Promotion, WTC Mumbai, H.E. Dr Oleksandr Polishchuk, Ambassador of Ukraine to India, Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, WTC Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries, H.E. Mr. Andrii Sybiha, Hon’ble Minister for Foreign Affairs, Republic of Ukraine, Mr. Jayakumar Raval, Hon’ble Minister of Marketing and Protocol, Government of Maharashtra, Capt. Somesh Batra, Vice Chairman, WTC Mumbai, Ms. Rupa Naik, Executive Director, WTC Mumbai and Ms. Aakruti Bagwe, Director - Operations, WTC Mumbai

Promotional Image: H.E. Mr. Andrii Sybiha, Hon’ble Minister for Foreign Affairs, Republic of Ukraine (middle) being felicitated by Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, WTC Mumbai and President, All India Association of Industries (left) at WTC Mumbai. (on the right) Mr. Jayakumar Raval, Hon’ble Minister of Marketing and Protocol, Government of Maharashtra