Washington: India continues to play an active role in facilitating conversations aimed at resolving the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, according to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Addressing reporters in New York on Sunday, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US, Misri stated that India is engaged in “ongoing conversations” with multiple interlocutors on all sides of the conflict.
Misri highlighted that these dialogues are crucial, but much work remains before any tangible outcome is reached. “Obviously, people see value in India’s engagement in these conversations, and we are able to talk to multiple interlocutors,” Misri said. He emphasized that it is too early to expect concrete results, as these conversations are still in progress.
The ongoing engagement follows Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Ukraine on August 23, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Modi urged both Ukraine and Russia to engage in dialogue to resolve the war, offering India’s support in restoring peace. His visit, the first by an Indian prime minister to Ukraine since its independence in 1991, underscored India’s neutral stance and commitment to peace. The visit came just six weeks after Modi’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which had stirred concerns in some Western nations.
In Kyiv, Modi reiterated India’s position on peace, expressing willingness to play an active role in achieving a peaceful resolution. He emphasised that India has been on the side of peace since the conflict began and expressed personal interest in contributing to the peace process.
In addition to the Russia-Ukraine discussions, Bangladesh was also a topic of conversation during Modi’s bilateral and multilateral meetings, according to Misri.