After a tweet posted by Ukraine's defence ministry purportedly showing an image of Goddess Kali over a blast fume triggered online outrage, Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzhaparova on Tuesday issued an apology.
The tweet was later deleted by Ukraine's Defence Minsitry.
Emine Dzhaparova said Ukraine "regrets" the defence ministry's depiction of goddess Kali in a "distorted manner" and that the European country "respects unique Indian culture and highly appreciates support from India".
The Twitter handle @DefenceU posted the image with the caption "Work of Art", triggering angry reactions from many Indian Twitter users who accused the Ukrainian defence ministry of insensitivity and hurting the sentiments of Indians.
Some Indian Twitter users even sought External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's intervention.
"Please take note of this defamatory post that shows Maa Kali in a bad light, @MEAIndia @DrSJaishankar," tweeted one user.
(With PTI Inputs)
