India Supports All Peace Efforts in Russia-Ukraine Conflict: MEA Reaffirms Diplomatic Stance

Trump mentioned that his peace proposal has been "fine-tuned" with contributions from both Russia and Ukraine.

New Delhi:

On Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reaffirmed that India continues to support all initiatives aimed at resolving the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

During a weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that New Delhi has consistently advocated for genuine and practical engagement between the conflicting parties through dialogue and diplomatic channels to find a resolution. He also referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement emphasizing that "this is not an era of war."

When questioned about the recent peace plan developed by the US with input from Russia and Ukraine, Jaiswal remarked, "We have observed reports regarding the peace plan. This matter is still evolving, as evident from ongoing meetings. We are monitoring developments closely. As you know, our Prime Minister has repeatedly stated that this is not an era of war and has called for the earliest possible cessation of hostilities."

"India has also advocated for sincere and practical engagement between the two parties and other key stakeholders through dialogue and diplomacy to find a lasting solution to the conflict. We continue to support all efforts aimed at bringing lasting peace to the region. Peace initiatives were discussed when the External Affairs Minister visited Moscow, and also during his recent conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart," he added.

On Sunday, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar held a telephone conversation with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha to discuss the latest developments in Ukraine's ongoing conflict with Russia.

In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar shared, "Had a telecon with FM Andrii Sybiha of Ukraine last evening. Appreciate his briefing on the ongoing developments related to the Ukraine conflict. Reiterated India's support for an early end to this conflict and the establishment of an enduring peace."

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump announced that his peace plan has been "fine-tuned" with contributions from Russia and Ukraine, and he is dispatching envoys to meet with the leaders of both nations to finalize an agreement.

Trump stated on Truth Social that there are only a "few remaining points of disagreement" regarding the 28-point plan drafted by the US after refinements.

"In the hopes of finalizing this Peace Plan, I have directed my Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to meet with President [Vladimir] Putin in Moscow and, at the same time, Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll will be meeting with the Ukrainians," he wrote.

He expressed his anticipation of meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, "but only when the deal to end this War is FINAL or, in its final stages".

Trump had previously set a Thanksgiving Day deadline - observed on Thursday in the US - for Ukraine to agree to the proposal, but has since indicated flexibility in extending it if progress is being made.

The conflict, which according to Trump resulted in 25,000 military casualties last month, continues unabated with Russia launching missile and drone attacks on Kyiv on Tuesday.