India distances itself from Swiss summit on Ukraine-Russia war, says ‘conflict requires sincere, practical…’

Leaders from nearly 90 countries came together in Switzerland to reiterate their commitment to the “territorial integrity” of Ukraine on Sunday. The meeting was attended by Indian authorities, with the Ministry of External Affairs later reaffirming the country’s support for a ‘lasting an peaceful resolution’. New Delhi however avoided association with any any communique or document emerging from the Summit.

“The Indian delegation attended the Opening and Closing Plenary Sessions of the Summit. India did not associate itself with any communique/document emerging from this Summit. India’s participation in the Summit, as well as in the preceding NSA/Political Director-level meetings based on Ukraine’s Peace Formula, was in line with our consistent approach to facilitate a lasting and peaceful resolution to the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy,” read a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs.

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The Ministry also stressed the need for a ‘sincere and practical engagement’ between Ukraine and Russia to resolve the largest European conflict since World War II. It assured that India would continue to remain “engaged with all stakeholders as well as both the parties” to contribute to all efforts to bring about an early and abiding peace.

The weekend summit in Switzerland concluded on Sunday with dozens of countries throwing their support to Ukraine’s “territorial integrity” and calling for talks among all parties to find a lasting solution to the conflict.

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The developments also came mere days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a “very productive meeting” with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the G-7 summit.

“India is eager to further cement bilateral relations with Ukraine. Regarding the ongoing hostilities, reiterated that India believes in a human-centric approach and believes that the way to peace is through dialogue and diplomacy,” he wrote on Twitter.

(With inputs from agencies)