Jaishankar thanks Moldova for supporting the evacuation of Indians from conflict-torn Ukraine

Union Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar and Deputy Prime Minister of Moldova Mihail Popsoi during the joint opening of the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova, in New Delhi. | Photo Credit: PTI

India on Sunday (December 15, 2024) expressed its appreciation for Moldova’s support in airlifting the needy Indians who had to be evacuated when the war broke out in Ukraine in February 2022. India’s appreciation was conveyed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. S Jaishankar at a ceremony in Delhi, where the ambassador of Moldova was officially inaugurated in the presence of the Deputy Prime Minister. Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Moldova Mihail Popsoi.

“Moldova extended valuable assistance during Operation Ganga to evacuate a large number of Indian students who were in need during the Ukraine crisis,” said Mr. Jaishankar acknowledging Moldova’s support to Indian citizens in Ukraine who were facing a serious threat when Russian forces began a ‘special. military operations’ against Ukraine. Operation Ganga was launched to evacuate Indian students and professionals who were based in Ukraine. At least 20,000 Indian citizens in Ukraine were evacuated with the help of neighboring Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Moldova and Hungary.

Mr. Jaishankar also announced that India would open an embassy in Moldova “in the not too distant future”.

Mr. Jaishankar said that India and Moldova, which are in a very important location in eastern Europe, have a “shared vision of the world that values ​​peace, understanding and cooperation”. The Moldovan ambassador has been working out of New Delhi for a year but Mr. Jaishankar and Mr. Popsoi on Sunday (December 15, 2024) unveiled the official seal of the Moldovan embassy officially opening. A post-Soviet state, Moldova established diplomatic relations with India in 1992 but this is the first time it has opened an embassy in India.

Speaking at the event, Foreign Minister Popsoi said the inauguration of the Moldovan ambassador is a special moment in the relations between the two sides. “We have conducted a second round of consultation with foreign offices after a gap of 21 years to ensure political involvement. The first official visit of our education minister took place two weeks ago. This year we launched a scholarship program for Indian students and we will expand this program,” said Mr. Popsoi.

The number of Indian students in Moldova has grown “significantly” this year, said the visiting dignitary. The Minister called for close cooperation in the agricultural sector and urged Indians to try the famous wines of Moldova.

The two sides have signed an agreement on visa waiver for official and official passport holders and Moldova has also joined the International Solar Alliance. India and Moldova have signed an agreement to enhance cooperation between the foreign service agencies of both sides. “Despite the geographical distance and different cultures, Moldova and India have always maintained a bond of mutual respect and understanding,” said Mr. Popsoi.