India has expressed its support for the recent summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released a statement on Saturday, welcoming the meeting and commending the leaders' commitment to pursuing peace.
"India welcomes the Summit meeting in Alaska between US President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin of Russia. Their leadership in the pursuit of peace is highly commendable," stated MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. He further added, "The way forward can only be through dialogue and diplomacy. The world wants to see an early end to the conflict in Ukraine".
India has consistently maintained a neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, advocating for a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. New Delhi has refrained from directly criticizing Russia's actions or imposing sanctions, emphasizing the need to maintain open communication channels with both parties involved. This position is rooted in India's long-standing strategic partnership with Russia, particularly in defense and energy, as well as its commitment to non-alignment and independent foreign policy.
India's call for an early end to the conflict aligns with the sentiments expressed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who recently appealed to India to play a role in resolving the crisis. In a message on Independence Day, Zelenskyy acknowledged India's commitment to freedom and peace, expressing hope that India would contribute to ending the war and ensuring Ukraine's sovereignty. He also indicated his desire to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the upcoming UN General Assembly to discuss potential avenues for collaboration.
The Alaska summit, which lasted for nearly three hours, concluded without any major breakthroughs or announcements of a ceasefire. While President Trump described the discussions as "very productive" and stated that "a considerable number of agreements" had been reached, he also maintained that "there's no deal until there's a deal". The lack of concrete outcomes has raised concerns about the prospects for a swift resolution to the conflict.
Despite these concerns, India remains optimistic about the potential for dialogue to pave the way for a peaceful settlement. India's emphasis on diplomacy reflects its belief that military means cannot bring about lasting peace. India's approach is also influenced by its own experiences with conflict resolution and its commitment to multilateralism and the principles of the UN Charter.
However, India's neutral stance has faced criticism from some quarters, particularly in light of its increased imports of Russian energy. Some have argued that India's continued trade with Russia indirectly finances the war in Ukraine. Recently, Trump decided to implement a 50% tariff on India's exports to the US, citing India's oil trade with Russia as the reason. Nevertheless, India has rejected calls to reduce its energy imports from Russia, emphasizing its need to secure affordable energy supplies for its growing economy.
Looking ahead, India is likely to continue its diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue and facilitate a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict. India's engagement with both Russia and Ukraine, coupled with its growing international influence, positions it as a potential mediator in the crisis. While the path to peace remains uncertain, India's commitment to dialogue and diplomacy offers a glimmer of hope for an early end to the conflict.
