Ukraine or West Asia, India backs all meaningful peace efforts: PM Modi

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India has consistently supported every meaningful effort towards peace in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Speaking after a bilateral meeting with Swiss President Guy Parmelin, Modi emphasized India's alignment with democratic values, the rule of law, dialogue, and diplomacy.

This stance echoed External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's recent remarks, who revealed that India has engaged in discussions with both Russia and Ukraine to promote safety in the Black Sea, facilitate grain and energy exports, and explore non-attack possibilities.

India's involvement escalated in July after civilian ships were targeted from both sides, resulting in the loss of Indian sailors. Jaishankar detailed that these incidents compelled India to strongly protest against the attacks and initiated efforts to safeguard maritime shipping and mariners. As conversations progressed, the focus expanded to include grain exports and energy supplies, leading to a broader dialogue on non-attack measures.

Jaishankar noted that these discussions are ongoing, including during Modi's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek on August 31, and subsequent talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in early September. The Indian perspective has consistently been that the conflict is unlikely to be resolved through military means, advocating for diplomatic negotiations.

India has been urging both parties to engage in dialogue, a stance reinforced by India's previous proposals for a cease-fire, energy truce, and agricultural reconciliation in the Black Sea. Ukraine has received similar offers from other nations, including Turkey, Egypt, and the United States, with Ukraine considering a unilateral ceasefire on the condition that it covers not only combat operations but also ends attacks on energy and port infrastructure.