Jaishankar thanks Moldova for support in evacuating Indians from conflict-hit Ukraine

India appreciates Moldova’s support during Operation Ganga, evacuating Indian citizens from Ukraine in 2022, leading to enhanced diplomatic relations

India on Sunday (December 15, 2024) expressed appreciation for the support that Moldova extended in airlifting stranded Indian nationals who had to be evacuated when the war in Ukraine broke out in February 2022. India’s appreciation was conveyed by External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar at an event held in Delhi, where the embassy of Moldova was officially inaugurated in the  presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Moldova Mihail Popsoi.

“Moldova extended crucial help during the Operation Ganga to evacuate the very large number of stranded Indian students during the Ukraine crisis,” Mr. Jaishankar said acknowledging Moldova’s support to the Indian citizens in Ukraine who faced a serious threat when Russian forces began the ‘special military operation’ against Ukraine. Operation Ganga was started to airlift Indian students and professionals who were based in Ukraine. At least 20,000 Indian citizens in Ukraine were evacuated with the help of neighbouring Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Moldova and Hungary.

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

Mr. Jaishankar said India and Moldova, which is located in a strategically important part of eastern Europe, have a “shared vision of the world that values peace, understanding and cooperation”. The embassy of Moldova has been operating out of New Delhi for around a year but Mr. Jaishankar and Mr. Popsoi on Sunday (December 15, 2024) unveiled the official insignia of the Moldovan embassy formally inaugurating it. A post-Soviet State, Moldova established diplomatic relation with India in 1992 but this is the first time that it opened an embassy in India.

Addressing the event, Foreign Minister Popsoi said the inauguration of the embassy of Moldova is a special moment in the relation between the two sides. “We conducted second round of foreign office consultation after a gap of 21 years reaffirming political engagement. The first official visit of our minister of education happened just two weeks ago. This year we launched a scholarship programme for Indian students and we will expand this initiative,” said Mr. Popsoi.

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

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

Published - December 15, 2024 10:17 pm IST