Ukraine: India renews calls for early, peaceful resolution to conflict

NEW DELHI: India has once again underscored its call for an early and peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated New Delhis position during high-level phone calls on Thursday. In a joint phone call with President of the European Council Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Prime Minister Modi emphasised Indias consistent support for dialogue and diplomacy to bring an end to the war in Ukraine. PM Modi reiterated Indias consistent support for peaceful resolution of the conflict and early restoration of peace and stability, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement following the call. The three leaders also discussed strengthening the India-EU Strategic Partnership, touching on trade, security, and global stability. Echoing the Prime Ministers remarks, Jaishankar also spoke with his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybih. In a post on X Jaishankar said, Discussed our bilateral cooperation as well the Ukraine conflict. India supports an early end to this conflict and the establishment of an enduring peace. The diplomatic engagements come amid a renewed push by India to strike a balance between its traditional partnerships and its strategic autonomy. While India has refrained from joining Western chorus against against Russia, it has maintained this is not an era of war and called for dialogue and diplomacy for ending the conflict and having a lasting peace. With the next India-EU Summit under discussion and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) gaining traction, New Delhi appears keen on positioning itself as a constructive global actor advocating for peaceful resolution of the conflict.