Ukraine-Russia Conflict Impact on Indian Businesses
Incident Overview
On April 13, 2025, Russia allegedly bombed an Indian-owned pharmaceutical warehouse in Kyiv, Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian Emergency Service.
Details of the Attack
- A missile destroyed the main warehouse of Kusum Healthcare, an Indian pharmaceutical company, in Kyiv.
- The warehouse held medicines intended for children and the elderly, indicating deliberate targeting.
- Kusum Healthcare also owns a smaller warehouse on Kyiv's outskirts and a factory in Sumy, which remains operational despite the conflict.
Impact on Indian Presence
Before the war in February 2022, there were approximately 20,000 Indian professionals and students in Ukraine. Many have since left, with only a handful remaining in cities like Sumy.
Local Context
- Sumy, located 25 km from the Russian border, is heavily bombarded, receiving around 200 rockets daily.
- Despite the conflict, some Indian students remain to complete their education.
Diplomatic Context
- The attack coincided with the 78th anniversary of India-Russia diplomatic ties established on April 13, 1947.
- The Russian Embassy in India celebrated this with a cycling rally, marking both the diplomatic anniversary and the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's World War II victory.
Responses
- The Embassy of Ukraine in India highlighted the attack as part of an "all out" war effort.
- There was no immediate response from the Russian Embassy regarding the bombing.
