Doval in Jeddah: Efforts must to resolve Russia-Ukraine conflict

While Russia did not participate, Ukraine was present at the meeting.

Currently, Doval said, several peace proposals have been put forward, and each has some positive points but none is acceptable to both sides. The key question that needs to be addressed in this meeting is whether a solution acceptable to all relevant stakeholders can be found, he said.

Doval said peace efforts involving all stakeholders must be pursued to find a “just and enduring solution”. India’s approach has been and always will be to promote dialogue and diplomacy. “This is the only way forward for peace,” he told the delegates.

The India NSA also pointed out that the whole world and especially the Global South was bearing the brunt of the situation. New Delhi is providing both humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and economic assistance to its neighbours in the Global South, he said.

According to Doval, India has engaged both Russia and Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict at the highest levels. India will remain an active and willing partner to find a lasting and comprehensive solution, and nothing will give India more happiness and satisfaction than such an outcome, he said.

India’s participation in Jeddah – which follows an earlier meeting in Copenhagen more than a month ago to discuss the Russia-Ukraine conflict and ways to end the 17-month war – “is in consonance with our long-standing position that dialogue and diplomacy is the way forward”, said Arindam Bagchi, Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs.

In Copenhagen, where Ukraine was on the agenda, India was represented by MEA’ Secretary (West) Sanjay Verma. The fact the NSA participated in the Jeddah meeting signalled India’s position to step up efforts on its part. What is also noteworthy is that China participated in the meeting, having skipped Copenhagen.

Ahead of the Jeddah meeting, the head of Ukraine’s presidential office, Andriy Yermak, had said that a Ukrainian-organized peace summit would take place in Saudi Arabia. This meeting will be about implementing Ukraine’s plan “to restore lasting and just peace”.

Ukraine’s formula calls for withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine; release of prisoners; restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity; and guarantees on nuclear safety, food and energy security; a tribunal for those responsible for the aggression and security guarantees.

This plan aims to hold Russia accountable for war atrocities and requires Moscow to surrender all captured Ukrainian territory and pay damages.

Russia has rejected the plan in the past. While India has not explicitly condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said this is not the era of war. India has also condemned the Bucha massacre, expressed concerns at the nuclear rhetoric by the Russian leadership, and in recent days at the collapse of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, where Russia walked out of the deal.