Union External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar has said India will support efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war if it can play a part for peace as well, saying New Delhi is ready to help in any way as long as it can help. He spoke at a news conference in Kyiv in which he met Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
India will remain ready to help resolve the conflict. “If India is ready to help in any manner,” Jaishankar said that when he was speaking to reporters on Thursday with Sybiha. He emphasized that India is ready to assist in any way to support efforts to resolve the conflict and that dialogue and diplomacy are still India’s best way to solve the conflict. Jaishankar said India is there to help end it.
The statement is also consistent with India’s stance to make peace between Russia and Ukraine. India has tried to mediate and settle the conflict when relations have been good from the very beginning and talk of a peaceful settlement. India has been in contact with Moscow and Kyiv and has said the situation needs to be resolved so as not to result in any further loss of lives.
Jaishankar’s visit to Ukraine will help the two nations build mutual understanding of the regional development and regional issues of mutual interest as well. The visit is an opportunity to speak to Ukrainian leaders and other officials on the issues in the region and discuss them, the ministry said in the media release.
During his visit, Jaishankar will hold bilateral discussions with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. The External Affairs Minister will meet with Polish Deputy Prime Minister Radoslaw Sikorski as part of his diplomatic activities.
India Again Reiterates Call for Dialogue.
India has consistently argued that the Russia-Ukraine conflict cannot be resolved by military action alone and talks are required in order for a lasting peace. Jaishankar's latest comments show that New Delhi is ready to act if the parties involved also want to help.
Since then India has not announced any specific mediation initiative but has said it is ready to be part of any real effort to restore peace.
India's approach has been shaped by its diplomatic relations with Russia and Ukraine. New Delhi has historically had close strategic ties with Moscow but also expanded its relations with Kyiv. This has allowed India to continue talking to the other side during the conflict.
The External Affairs Minister’s visit to Kyiv is therefore very important as India is trying to balance its bilateral relations and the war.
Black Sea Shipping Concerns Discussed.
Jaishankar said the attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea were also discussed in his meeting with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister. The Black Sea is of particular concern to international shipping routes and maritime trade because of the impact of the conflict on it.
The safety of commercial vessels and seafarers has become more and more important as the conflict has affected maritime activity in the region. India is particularly affected since Indian nationals are employed in the global shipping industry.
The problem has attracted much more attention since Indian seafarers were killed and injured in recent escalations linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict in the Black Sea region.
New Delhi has expressed concern over the safety of Indian citizens and other seafarers operating in conflict-affected waters. India has also called for measures to protect civilian shipping and reduce risks to those working aboard commercial vessels.
Strengthening India-Ukraine Relations
Jaishankar will also have to work on the bilateral relations between India and Ukraine beyond the conflict. They will be talking about the areas of cooperation and how to deepen cooperation in this regard.
The Ministry of External Affairs said the visit will allow for conversations about regional and international issues. India needs to continue to engage with and deal with countries which are affected by the major geopolitical events as we will be in the news.
India’s position on the Russia-Ukraine war has attracted global attention because of New Delhi’s growing global influence and its relation with different sides involved in the wider geopolitical situation.
Jaishankar’s speech in Kyiv reiterates India’s stance that dialogue and diplomacy are the best way to resolve the conflict. New Delhi has always maintained that a long war has consequences that extend well beyond the countries involved itself.
India’s Role in Future Peace Efforts.
As the war continues, questions are raised about whether negotiations could be revived and whether the big powers will support the peace process. India's offer does not mean it will mediate between Russia and Ukraine if it is necessary but it represents New Delhi’s readiness to help in the diplomatic process as a whole.
India has repeatedly said that the concerns of all parties need to be addressed peacefully. The country has focused on encouraging communication and negotiations rather than further escalation.
Jaishankar's visit to Kyiv comes at a sensitive time, with continued fighting and concerns over maritime security complicating the conflict. His meetings with Ukrainian officials provide an opportunity for India to understand Kyiv's perspective while communicating New Delhi's position on peace and diplomacy.
India's safety as far as seafarers are concerned in international waters is of course also of great concern to India. The discussion on Black Sea shipping highlights the impact of the conflict on people and economies far from the battlefield.
With the Russia-Ukraine war still playing out in the context of world security, energy markets, food supply and international trade, India's calls for dialogue are consistent with its international diplomacy approach. Jaishankar’s statement that India is ready to help indicates that New Delhi is ready to contribute to efforts to achieve a peaceful and lasting resolution.
