We are in talks with both Russia and Ukraine: Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India has moved “beyond advocacy” and is becoming more involved in efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war.

Speaking at the Munich Leaders’ Meeting in New Delhi on Sunday, Jaishankar said India has been in conversations with both Moscow and Kyiv as part of its efforts to contribute to the search for a solution to the conflict.

India has maintained that the Russia-Ukraine conflict should end through dialogue and diplomacy. Jaishankar said New Delhi has advocated negotiations for several years, but in recent months its involvement has gone beyond simply expressing its position.

According to the External Affairs Minister, India is trying to be helpful on several issues connected to the conflict. These include the safety of shipping in the Black Sea, grain exports, energy exports and the possibility of arrangements to prevent attacks.

“We are seeing today an unfortunate conflict,” Jaishankar said, reiterating India's position that the conflict should come to an end through dialogue and diplomacy.

His comments came days after Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said India had put forward a “comprehensive” and “broad” proposal aimed at ending the war.

Jaishankar said India's engagement involves conversations with both Russia and Ukraine, indicating that New Delhi is seeking to maintain communication with both sides while encouraging negotiations.

The Russia-Ukraine war has continued since February 2022, with diplomatic efforts involving several countries seeking ways to bring the conflict to an end.

India has repeatedly emphasised dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward. Jaishankar's latest remarks suggest that New Delhi is now taking a somewhat more active role in discussions concerning practical issues linked to the conflict and possible pathways towards de-escalation.