New Delhi, 10 November (H.S.): The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Tuesday that India remained in contact with both Russia and Ukraine, as well as other relevant stakeholders, with the aim of contributing to the restoration of peace in the region. During diplomatic engagements held on Monday, discussions covered not only efforts to bring the conflict to an end but also the issue of establishing food corridors.

Addressing the regular media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India had consistently maintained that dialogue and diplomacy were the only viable way forward. He noted that the Prime Minister had reiterated in recent months that “the endless war must come to an end”.

Guided by this commitment to peace, India has been engaging with Russia and Ukraine on issues including the safety of commercial shipping in the Black Sea, addressing the immediate concerns of both countries regarding grain and energy exports, and exploring possibilities for arrangements to halt attacks, the spokesperson said.

Jaiswal said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken over the phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday. The two leaders exchanged views on the ongoing conflict, its humanitarian dimensions and various efforts aimed at restoring peace. The Prime Minister reiterated India's firm commitment to contributing in every possible way towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

Subsequently, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the Ukraine conflict and ongoing diplomatic initiatives focused on resolving it. The two sides also exchanged views on the issue of food corridors.

The spokesperson reiterated that India remained engaged with both sides, as well as other relevant stakeholders, in its efforts to contribute to the restoration of peace in the region.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar