India invites diplomats from 73 countries for Kumbh, Ukraine declines over Russia’s presence

Ukraine’s Ambassador to India Dr Oleksandr Polishchuk would not participate in the Maha Kumbh alongside his Russian counterpart on February 1 to oppose alleged aggression by Moscow against Kyiv, the Ukrainian Embassy here has said.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has made arrangements for diplomats from 73 countries to attend the Maha Kumbh in Uttar's Pradesh's Prayagraj on February 1. The diplomats, including those from Russia and Ukraine, were scheduled to take a holy dip in the Sangam, visit Akshayvat and Bade Hanuman Temple and have an experience of the Digital Maha Kumbh Centre.

The Ukrainian Embassy said on its X account: “Congratulations on the auspicious Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 — a testament to India’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring faith of its people! However, recent media reports suggesting Ukraine’s participation alongside representatives of the aggressor are wishful thinking only."

On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India has maintained that it “considers all parties to view that there is no other choice but the path of diplomacy and dialogue”. India has maintained that it has always stood for peaceful resolution of issues and direct dialogue between the two parties.

The Ukrainian Embassy said, "As Lord Hanuman, protector of dharma, stood unwavering in face of evil, Ukraine too stands firm as a guardian of justice and truth. Participating alongside representatives of aggressor would betray these very principles. Thus, Amb of Ukraine will avoid participation on this occasion."

The ongoing aggression against Ukraine had led to mass killings, forcible child deportations, brutal torture of prisoners of war, sexual violence against women and girls and the destruction of Ukraine’s national identity and culture, it said.

“This blood of thousands innocently killed by the aggressor still knocks in our hearts. This blood will forever stain the hands of the aggressor and can never be washed away, not even by the sacred waters of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati at the Holy Triveni Sangam," the Ukrainian Embassy said.