Jaishankar meets Ukraine counterpart on UNGA sidelines, says dialogue can end war

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed recent developments linked to the Russia-Ukraine war with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the high-level UN General Assembly session in New York.

Reiterating India's position on the war, Jaishankar told Sybiha that dialogue and diplomacy remain the way forward for a peaceful resolution of the issues.

The meeting came weeks after Jaishankar met the Ukrainian leadership in Kyiv earlier this month. Ukraine said the two sides discussed peace efforts, bilateral cooperation and international developments, including the situation in the Black Sea and its impact on markets.

At his bi-weekly briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "The External Affairs Minister met with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister on Monday. He discussed recent developments that are happening in the context of the conflict. The External Affairs Minister once again put forth India's point that dialogue and diplomacy is the way forward for a peaceful resolution."

Jaiswal said India remained in touch with both Ukraine and Russia.

"We are in touch with both sides, Ukraine and Russia. We have told them that if there is any way that India can contribute, India is ready to do so. I would also like to highlight here what the Prime Minister said when he met the President of Russia in Bishkek, that endless wars must now give way or move on to the end of war. So India hopes that there will be a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy at an early date or time," he said.

Earlier, in a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Welcomed the opportunity to meet FM @andrii_sybiha again, after my recent visit to Ukraine. Our conversation focused on developments over the past few weeks."

After the meeting, Sybiha said, "We spoke about the situation in the Black Sea and its market implications. Restoring freedom of navigation is critical for global food security. Ukraine is ready to play a constructive role and we value India's engagement."

The meeting in New York centred on the latest developments in the conflict, India's call for a peaceful settlement through dialogue and diplomacy, and Ukraine's push for continued engagement on peace efforts, bilateral cooperation and the Black Sea situation.