New Delhi:
In a significant diplomatic maneuver, India has reaffirmed its commitment to peace in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha at the Munich Security Conference, discussing crucial steps to end the nearly three-year-old war. This meeting aligns with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s clear stance that India is not neutral but firmly on the side of peace.
Jaishankar’s meeting with Sybiha on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference was pivotal, as they delved into efforts to resolve the Ukraine-Russia conflict. The discussions also touched upon the advancement of bilateral cooperation between India and Ukraine, highlighting the mutual interests and collaborative potential between the two nations.
PM Modi has been unequivocal in his stance, stating that India is not neutral in the Russia-Ukraine war but is a strong advocate for peace. During his recent meeting with US President Donald Trump, Modi appreciated Trump’s mediation efforts and expressed hope for a swift resolution through diplomatic channels. Modi emphasized that the conflict must be resolved through negotiations rather than on the battlefield, a position he has consistently maintained in his interactions with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, who also attended the Munich Security Conference, reiterated his demand for security guarantees from the US and Europe before engaging in direct talks with Russia. Zelenskyy met with US Vice President JD Vance, where he expressed his readiness for negotiations once Kyiv aligns with the US and Europe on a common strategy to end the war.
In a parallel development, European countries, led by Britain and France, are secretly planning to send troops to Ukraine to enforce any future peace settlement with Russia. This initiative underscores the international community’s growing concern over ensuring durable peace and security in Ukraine post-conflict.
The Trump administration has signaled a desire to bring the conflict to a swift end, although this may involve Ukraine giving up territory to Russia. The administration has also indicated that NATO membership for Ukraine is impractical, suggesting a ceasefire with potentially dissatisfactory terms for Kyiv. Despite these challenges, Modi welcomed Trump’s initiative and expressed optimism about the success of these mediation efforts.
The Munich Security Conference served as a platform for various leaders and officials to discuss the imperative of security guarantees and a durable peace in Ukraine. India’s active engagement, coupled with Modi’s clear stance on peace, positions the country as a key mediator in the conflict. This diplomatic stance is consistent with India’s historical non-aligned foreign policy, which emphasizes strategic autonomy and advocacy for peace at international forums.
