India's view of the world · A factual referenceLast updated 12 May 2026 · Edition 04
COUNTRY RELATIONSHIP · UKRAINE
India & Ukraine
BILATERAL PARTNERSUNFLOWER OIL MAJOR SOURCENEUTRAL ON RUSSIA-UKRAINE WARSTUDENT EVACUATION 2022
India and Ukraine established relations in 1992 after the Soviet Union's dissolution. Ukraine is a major supplier of sunflower oil, fertilisers and defence components to India. The relationship was defined by Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine: India abstained on UN resolutions condemning Russia, pursuing strategic neutrality, evacuated 20,000 Indian students in Operation Ganga, and continues to trade with both Russia and Ukraine simultaneously. PM Modi visited Kyiv in August 2024 — the first Indian PM to do so.
COOPERATION AREAS
Where India and Ukraine actually work together
5 active areas of cooperation, as of July 2026. Click any card for the full brief.
TRADE & INVESTMENT
By the numbers
FY 2023-24 estimates, significantly reduced from pre-war levels. Sunflower oil is the dominant import. Source: MEA, DGFT.
$3.1bn
Total bilateral trade in goods
$0.8bn
India exports to country
$2.3bn
India imports from country
Trade trajectory · USD bn
$3.1bnin FY24 · click a bar to compare years
TOP TRADED ITEMS
AGREEMENTS & MILESTONES
The relationship since 1992, in 7 dates
CURRENT STATE
Where things stand, 2026
The relationship is in a carefully managed state of engagement under the shadow of the Russia-Ukraine war. India maintains trade and humanitarian engagement with Ukraine while simultaneously purchasing Russian oil and avoiding partisan alignment. Modi's 2024 Kyiv visit improved the political atmosphere but fundamental differences over India's Russia policy remain. Trade recovery depends on war's resolution.
