New Delhi, Aug 12: Addressing Indian concerns about sale of military hardware to Pakistan, Ukraine today assured India that it has stopped this supply, but maintained that this was just a 'commercial transaction', and no political meaning should be read into it. Ukranian Foreign Minister Anatoliy Zlenko, currently on a three-day visit to India, interacting with mediapersons after meeting External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha this morning, confirmed that Ukraine had sold some military equipment to Pakistan. But he termed the transaction as 'commercial' in nature and in line with the national interests of his country and said no political connotations should be attached to it.
Regarding the prospective sale of military hardware to India, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, said Ukraine was ready to discuss this at the 'appropriate time'.

He said he had discussed the issue with Defence Minister George Fernandes, in their meeting yesterday and both countries had agreed that the Ukrainian Defence Minister would visit New Delhi in October to hold further discussions on this issue.
Two agreements relating to information and tourism were signed in today's meeting, while ratification was accorded to agreements on increasing mutual investment and cooperation in criminal law matters.
In his remarks, Sinha said there was great scope for increasing economic ties between the two countries, specially in the fields of high technology, pharmaceuticals and so on.
Both sides have also called for increasing international cooperation in confronting the menace of international terrorism.
Zlenko, stressing on increasing political ties between India and Ukraine, said they hoped Indian President A P J Abdul Kalam would undertake a state visit to his country next year. Human Resource Development Minister Murli Manohar Joshi is also expected to visit Ukraine this year, he said.
There is great potential for increasing bilateral trade and both countries have recognised the need for this, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister said, adding that there are many prospects for Indian businessmen in his country, specially in the sphere of science and technology.
Bureau Report