India ready to help Russia-Ukraine peace efforts, Jaishankar tells Kyiv at UNGA

India remains in contact with both Russia and Ukraine and is ready to contribute to efforts towards ending the conflict, the Ministry of External Affairs said Tuesday, as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated New Delhi’s call for a peaceful resolution through “dialogue and diplomacy” during talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha.

Jaishankar met Sybiha on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York Monday, weeks after the two held talks during the External Affairs Minister’s visit to Ukraine earlier this month. The latest meeting covered recent developments in the conflict, peace efforts and the situation in the Black Sea.

India in touch with both sides

“The External Affairs Minister met with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister on Monday. He discussed recent developments that are happening in context of the conflict. The External Affairs Minister once again put forth India’s point that dialogue and diplomacy is the way forward for a peaceful resolution,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at his bi-weekly briefing Tuesday.

Jaiswal said New Delhi continued to maintain communication with both Moscow and Kyiv and was prepared to assist if it could play a constructive role in efforts towards peace.

“We are in touch with both sides, Ukraine and Russia. And we have told them that if there is any way that India can contribute, India is ready to do so,” he said.

The spokesperson also recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message during his recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek, where he said “endless wars” must give way to an end to the conflict.

India hoped for a peaceful resolution at an early date through dialogue and diplomacy, Jaiswal said.

Black Sea in focus

Following his meeting with Sybiha, Jaishankar said their conversation had focused on developments over the past few weeks.

“Welcomed the opportunity to meet FM Andrii Sybiha again, after my recent visit to Ukraine. Our conversation focused on developments over the past few weeks,” Jaishankar said.

Sybiha said the two ministers discussed peace efforts, bilateral cooperation and international developments, with particular attention to the Black Sea and its implications for global markets.

“We spoke about the situation in the Black Sea and its market implications. Restoring freedom of navigation is critical for global food security. Ukraine is ready to play a constructive role and we value India’s engagement,” the Ukrainian Foreign Minister said.

The Black Sea remains a crucial maritime route for agricultural commodities, making disruptions to commercial navigation a concern for international food markets.

Bilateral ties discussed

The two sides also discussed preparations for the next meeting of the India-Ukraine Intergovernmental Commission, which Sybiha said would have a strong business component with an emphasis on innovation.

Ukraine has expressed interest in expanding cooperation with India in science, education, technology, agriculture, information technology and pharmaceuticals.

The meeting was part of Jaishankar’s series of diplomatic engagements during the UN General Assembly high-level week. India has maintained engagement with both Moscow and Kyiv throughout the conflict while repeatedly advocating negotiations as the route towards a settlement.