Jaishankar highlights India-Russia ties and active Ukraine conflict diplomacy
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized India's enduring relationship with Russia, noting that the country has been a steadfast ally since the 1950s. Speaking at the Munich Leaders Meeting in New Delhi, Jaishankar highlighted that Russia, formerly the Soviet Union, supported India during critical times when the nation's security and territorial integrity were threatened. He contrasted Russia's support with the global preference for backing a military regime, an apparent reference to Pakistan.
Jaishankar described the India-Russia relationship as multifaceted, extending beyond historical ties to include economic, military, nuclear, and space collaborations. He noted significant trade, investment, and energy exchanges between the two nations, stating that India's experience with Russia has been consistently positive.
Discussing the Ukraine conflict, Jaishankar revealed that India has moved beyond advocacy to active engagement, holding conversations with both Kyiv and Moscow. India's efforts focus on ensuring the safety of shipping in the Black Sea, addressing grain and energy exports, and exploring possibilities for a ceasefire. These initiatives follow remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who acknowledged India's proposals for resolving the conflict.
The minister's comments came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Putin in Bishkek, where Modi advocated for an end to the war. Jaishankar's statements underscore India's proactive role in seeking a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict.