President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his determination to significantly increase trade turnover with India – 3-5 times compared to current figures.
He said this in an interview with Indian media, answering a question about whether he and the Indian side had considered the possibility of India’s participation in the restoration of Ukraine.
"Our economists and economic teams will work on this area. I am trying very hard to increase the trade turnover by 3 or 5 times. It is not that much, to be honest. It is to return to our best times. This is what we are striving for. We are ready and able to implement this. We will be open to all opportunities. Where the Indian side is ready to cooperate, we will develop this area and will not block anything. I guarantee this," he said.
Answering the question, the President noted that he had discussed the issue of technology with the head of the Indian government, Narendra Modi.
"I would like to be absolutely clear and understandable to the Prime Minister that we are open to major agreements if India is ready. We are ready to exchange technologies, buy, produce, open representative offices of Indian companies here or our companies in India. We are open to this dialogue and cooperation," the President assured.
Answering a question about the possibility of a visit to India, Zelenskyy noted that when building a strategic partnership and dialogue, it is important not to waste time and avoid long pauses.
"That’s why I think it would be good to meet again. If our meeting takes place in India, I will be glad. And I think it is important to see your people, because a country can only be understood when you understand its people. We need to find the key to this country, and for this it is important to see your people. I really need your country to be on our side, and not balance between us and the Russian Federation. Perhaps your country can become a key element in this diplomatic influence," the head of the Ukrainian state said.