External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated on Thursday that India is prepared to provide any assistance necessary to help end the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The remarks were made during wide-ranging discussions with his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha in Kyiv.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Jaishankar reiterated India’s long-held stance that the current era should not be defined by war and that lasting solutions cannot be found on the battlefield. He recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent assertion, made during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, that the time has come to move away from endless conflict towards its resolution.
The minister emphasized that each day of the conflict brings further loss of life and destruction. While acknowledging that the primary responsibility for finding a resolution rests with the parties directly involved, Jaishankar affirmed India’s readiness to assist in any capacity.
India has consistently advocated for the resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomatic engagement. Jaishankar also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, apprising him of the discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation.
President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for India’s commitment to ending what he described as an unjust war. He highlighted India’s clear position that this should not be an era of war and stressed the need for peace, hoping that other global powers would also adopt a similar stance for achieving a durable peace.
Discussions also encompassed the situation in the Black Sea, including threats to civilian shipping. Both sides agreed on the unacceptability of blocking food supplies, particularly to regions heavily dependent on maritime routes. Zelenskyy noted that Russia’s actions targeting Ukrainian ports and food corridors have caused significant disruptions to global relations, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to ensure security.
The Ukrainian President also mentioned that Russian drone attacks occurred during Jaishankar’s visit, but Ukrainian fighter jets were successful in intercepting most of the drones, ensuring the delegation’s safety.
Jaishankar’s visit, which took place amid heightened hostilities, was described as having a bilateral purpose, but also significant in the broader context of the war that began in 2022. He noted with sorrow that an Indian national had recently been killed in an attack in Kyiv and conveyed India’s condolences to all affected families.
India has also expressed concern over recent attacks on merchant vessels in the Black Sea. Jaishankar highlighted that Indian seafarers, who crew ships of various nationalities, have been among the unfortunate casualties. He further pointed out that disruptions to shipping disproportionately affect nations in the Global South, leading to shortages of fuel, fertilizer, and food. Views were exchanged on these and related matters.
The minister also detailed India’s contribution to humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine, including the delivery of 19 consignments of aid.
On the bilateral front, the two nations discussed trade spanning pharmaceuticals, food and agriculture, fertilizers, machinery, and chemicals. While the war has presented logistical challenges and disruptions to trade over the past four years, a resilience has been observed, with new opportunities emerging. Both sides aim to address these challenges.
Jaishankar acknowledged Ukraine’s significant strengths and capabilities, and India’s own rapid development, particularly in digital capabilities, innovation, and startups. Areas like artificial intelligence were identified as offering new avenues in sectors such as health, education, and governance.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that discussions covered peace efforts, the Black Sea security situation, freedom of navigation, global food security, and Russia’s nuclear threats. The ministry underscored India’s role as a global power in engaging a wider range of countries on these issues.
Sybiha reinforced the message that the consequences of Russia’s actions in the Black Sea extend beyond Ukraine, potentially threatening millions globally with hunger and crisis due to the blocking of vital food supply routes. He expressed gratitude for India’s attention and collaborative efforts to resolve this problem.
The ministers also focused on the peace process and potential for India’s increased involvement in international initiatives to end the war. Sybiha noted that Ukraine is ready for diplomacy and possesses realistic proposals for ending the conflict, echoing Prime Minister Modi’s call to transition from an endless war to its conclusion.
The current trade turnover between Ukraine and India stands at USD 2.6 billion, with significant potential for further growth. Ukraine views India as a crucial partner and anticipates continued support for the principles of the UN Charter, Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, freedom of navigation, and international law.
Earlier, the Ukrainian minister welcomed Prime Minister Modi’s appeal to move from an endless war towards its end, stating Ukraine’s readiness for diplomacy.
Jaishankar extended an invitation to Sybiha to visit India at his convenience for the next meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission. Education was also identified as a longstanding area of cooperation, with many Indian students currently pursuing studies in Ukraine.
In a social media post, Sybiha described Jaishankar’s visit as a historic first dedicated bilateral visit by an Indian External Affairs Minister to Ukraine, occurring amidst escalating Russian attacks. He commended his colleague’s brave visit to Kyiv.
Concluding his visit, Jaishankar paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at the National Botanical Garden in Kyiv, reflecting on Gandhi’s message advocating for a move from endless war to its cessation.
The Chenab Times News Desk