India has reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path towards resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, while continuing its engagement with both Moscow and Kyiv in support of efforts aimed at restoring peace.

Speaking during a media briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has conveyed a number of proposals to both Russia and Ukraine as part of its ongoing efforts to contribute constructively to peace initiatives.

He underlined Prime Minister Narendra Modi's consistent position that military confrontation cannot provide a lasting solution to the conflict.

“As you know that India has been emphasising that the way forward is to take the path of dialogue and diplomacy. And in recent months, our Prime Minister has expressed and articulated that endless wars must now give way to end of war,” Jaiswal said.

According to the MEA, India has remained actively engaged with both sides and has shared specific ideas designed to address practical challenges arising from the conflict.

“These ideas include safety of commercial shipping in the Black Sea region. It also includes addressing concerns, immediate concerns of both the countries in regard to energy and grain exports, as also non-attack arrangements,” Jaiswal added.

The proposals focus on ensuring the secure movement of commercial vessels through the Black Sea, a crucial maritime route for global trade, particularly for grain exports. India has also highlighted the need to address energy security concerns and facilitate agricultural exports, issues that have had significant implications for global food and energy markets since the conflict began.

Jaiswal stated that India has remained in contact not only with Russia and Ukraine but also with other interested stakeholders regarding efforts to stabilise the situation and support peace-building measures.

The comments followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday. During the discussion, the two leaders exchanged views on the ongoing conflict, its humanitarian consequences and the various diplomatic efforts currently underway to achieve peace.

“Yesterday, as you are aware, our Prime Minister spoke to President Zelenskyy of Ukraine. They shared, leaders shared, both leaders shared perspectives on the ongoing conflict, its humanitarian aspects, as also various efforts to restore peace that are undergoing. Prime Minister reiterated India's firm commitment to contribute towards peace in every possible way,” Jaiswal said.

Shortly after the Modi-Zelenskyy conversation, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The talks included ongoing diplomatic initiatives related to the conflict and broader efforts to advance peace.

On the issue of food corridors, Jaiswal noted that India has exchanged ideas with both sides and continues to engage with Russia, Ukraine and other stakeholders to help create conditions conducive to stability and peace.

India has consistently maintained a balanced position since the outbreak of the conflict, advocating diplomacy, respect for sovereignty and sustained dialogue while preserving communication channels with both Moscow and Kyiv.

New Delhi has repeatedly stressed that solutions cannot emerge from the battlefield and that meaningful negotiations remain essential to bringing the conflict to a peaceful conclusion.

ANI