New Delhi/UNI: In big relief to thousands of Indian medical students who fled Ukraine in February last year following the Russian invasion, Ukraine’s First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Emine Dzhaparova, who was visiting India, has conveyed that Ukraine will allow foreign medical students to take the Unified State Qualification Exam in their country of domicile.

She mentioned this during her bilateral talks with Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West), MEA.

Over 20,000 Indians, mostly medical students, were evacuated from Ukraine post the February 24, 2022 invasion by Russia. Most of them had to leave their studies mid-way, affecting their future prospects. With the Ukraine conflict continuing, the Indian students have been at a loss on what to do.

Dzhaparova also proposed that rebuilding infrastructure in Ukraine could be an opportunity for Indian companies.

She was in New Delhi from April 10- 12, in her first official visit to India.

During the talks, bilateral agenda included - spheres such as economic, defence, humanitarian assistance, and global issues of mutual interest.

She briefed Secretary (West) about the prevailing situation in Ukraine. The two sides agreed to hold the next round of Foreign Office Consultations in Kyiv on a mutually convenient date, an official statement said.

"On the issue of Indian medical students, the Deputy FM mentioned that Ukraine will allow foreign medical students to take the Unified State Qualification Exam in their country of domicile," the statement said.

Secretary (West) shared that India has provided medicines, medical equipment and would provide school buses etc. to Ukraine.

Dzhaparova also called on Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Meenakshi Lekhi. Besides holding discussions on a wide range of bilateral and international issues of mutual interest, she handed over a letter from President Zelenskyy, addressed to Prime Minister Modi.

A Ukrainian request for additional humanitarian supply, including medicines and medical equipment was also shared by her. It was agreed that the next Inter-Governmental Commission between the two countries would be held in India on a mutually convenient date.

Dzhaparova visited the Manohar Parrikar - Institute of Defence Studies, and also delivered a talk at the Indian Council of World Affairs.

During her visit, Dzhaparova highlighted Ukraine's desire to build a stronger and closer relationship with India. Dzhaparova's visit to India would facilitate cooperation between the two countries, it added.

In a tweet on her meeting with MoS Meenakshi Lekhi, she said:

“I was glad to pass @M_Lekhi a letter from #Ukraine's President @ZelenskyyUa to Indian Prime Minister@narendramodi.

“As our countries India & Ukraine have mutual interests & visions, intensified dialogue on the highest level will be fruitful for our people and security in the world.”