On April 12, Ukraine reported that a drone strike targeted the warehouse of Kusum, an Indian pharmaceutical company, claiming that Russia intentionally aimed at businesses owned by Indian nationals. This assault resulted in the destruction of vital medical supplies, including those intended for children and the elderly, according to Ukrainian officials. Kusum, one of the prominent pharmaceutical firms in Ukraine, is led by Indian entrepreneur Rajiv Gupta and operates under the name Kusum Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., which was established in New Delhi in 1997. Initially focused on exports, the company began domestic production in 2007 with a formulation facility in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, and further expanded with a new plant in Indore in 2018.
This incident follows a recent agreement between Ukraine and Russia in March 2025 to cease attacks on each other’s energy infrastructure. Nevertheless, both nations have since accused one another of breaching this agreement. India has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution and an end to hostilities in the region, maintaining a neutral position in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, this diplomatic approach has faced criticism, especially as India has increased its imports of discounted Russian oil in the wake of the 2022 invasion, a decision influenced by Western sanctions imposed on Moscow and the subsequent reduction of European energy supplies.
