India Reiterates Call for Early Peace in Ukraine, Emphasizes Diplomacy

New Delhi has once again voiced its strong support for a swift and peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict. During a press briefing, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that India wants the fighting to end at the earliest and lasting peace to take hold in the region. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal underlined that India encourages all sides to engage constructively in dialogue and work towards an enduring settlement. This stance reflects India’s consistent belief that the solution to the crisis lies in diplomacy, not on the battlefield.

FILE: Randhir Jaiswal during the weekly MEA press briefing in New Delhi.(HT_PRINT) | Hindustan Times

Strengthening Ties with Ukraine

India’s external engagements in recent days highlight the seriousness of this position. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held discussions with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who briefed him on the ground situation and Kyiv’s push for what he termed a “just peace.” Sybiha noted that India’s voice carries global weight and urged New Delhi to play a more active role in supporting peace initiatives. The two leaders are expected to meet again during the United Nations General Assembly later this month, reinforcing the importance of dialogue at the highest levels.

India at the United Nations

India’s concerns are not limited to the battlefield but also extend to the humanitarian and economic consequences of the conflict. At the UN General Assembly, Indian Ambassador P. Harish reminded the world that the war has disproportionately hurt Global South nations, particularly through the spike in energy and food prices. He stressed that many developing countries are left to “fend for themselves,” which makes a diplomatic solution even more urgent. India’s intervention highlighted its role as a bridge between developed powers and vulnerable nations affected by global instability.

Modiji’s Balancing Diplomacy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent meetings further underscore India’s balancing act. At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, he met Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Modiji told Putin that India stands with all genuine peace efforts, reiterating that humanity’s call is for the fighting to stop. Just days before that, he spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders, reaffirming India’s commitment to stability. These parallel engagements reflect India’s strategic autonomy—maintaining ties with both Russia and Ukraine while advocating dialogue as the only path forward.

Global Context and Rising Tensions

While India pushes for diplomacy, global tensions remain high. European leaders have pledged military backing for Ukraine after the war, while Moscow has warned that Western troops in Ukraine would be considered “legitimate targets.” Zelenskyy himself has said there is no indication that Russia is preparing for peace, keeping the conflict in a prolonged state of uncertainty. Amid this climate, India’s measured approach gains significance, offering a rare voice that advocates negotiation instead of escalation.

A Consistent Policy Approach

India’s response to the Ukraine crisis has been consistent since the war began in 2022. It has avoided taking sides in UN resolutions, maintained energy and defense ties with Russia, yet extended humanitarian aid to Ukraine and evacuated thousands of Indian nationals through Operation Ganga. The guiding principle of its foreign policy remains clear: avoid entanglement in great-power rivalries while using its diplomatic weight to push for peace and stability.

The MGMM Outlook

India has consistently upheld its stance that diplomacy, not warfare, is the only path to resolving the Ukraine crisis. By engaging with both Ukrainian and Russian leadership while also voicing concerns at global platforms like the UN, New Delhi positions itself as a bridge between divided powers. The government’s emphasis on peace reflects not only its strategic autonomy but also its recognition of the humanitarian and economic burdens that prolonged conflict imposes on the Global South, particularly rising food and energy prices. This measured approach highlights India’s commitment to global stability while maintaining its national interests.

Prime Minister Modi’s diplomatic engagements with leaders from Russia, Ukraine, Europe, and China showcase India’s balancing act, reinforcing that New Delhi will not be drawn into polarized blocs. Instead, India strengthens its credibility by extending humanitarian aid to Ukraine, safeguarding its citizens during the crisis, and continuing partnerships with Moscow in critical sectors. This consistent, independent, and peace-oriented foreign policy reflects India’s growing role as a responsible power that advocates dialogue over escalation in a deeply fractured world.

(Sources: Hindustan Times, LiveMint, Moneycontrol)