India's External Affairs Minister to Visit Ukraine and Poland Amid Ongoing Conflict
Diplomatic Mission to Ukraine and Poland
PM Modi and Russian President Putin during a meet on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Bishkek, on Monday. (Photo:@narendramodi/X)
New Delhi, Sept 2: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will embark on a trip to Ukraine and Poland from September 3 to 5.
During this three-day visit, Jaishankar is set to engage in bilateral talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski.
The MEA highlighted that the visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties and facilitate discussions on regional developments and shared interests.
This trip to Ukraine is particularly noteworthy, occurring shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to transition from an 'endless war' to an 'end of war,' amidst escalating tensions between Moscow and Kyiv.
In a meeting with Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on August 31, Modi addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Modi stated, 'We have consistently discussed the Ukraine issue. During our last meeting, you provided me with a comprehensive update on all aspects. India endorses all peace efforts and will persist in doing so.'
He further emphasized, 'Each day spent in conflict regresses humanity, while every step towards peace inspires hope and enthusiasm. Transitioning from endless war to the end of war is vital for humanity's well-being.'
Modi expressed that a swift and peaceful resolution to all issues is 'the call of humanity,' asserting that India, as the birthplace of Gandhi and Buddha, promotes 'the path of peace.'
The two leaders also explored the broader India-Russia partnership, focusing on trade, investment, energy, and fertilizer security.
Putin remarked that the relationship between India and Russia has continued to grow, founded on their special and privileged strategic partnership.
This diplomatic initiative occurs amid renewed violence in Ukraine, with Russia launching a prolonged bombardment of Kyiv that resulted in at least 12 fatalities during a significant aerial assault.
Ukrainian authorities reported that this attack marked the sixth consecutive day of intense Russian strikes on the capital.
The current escalation presents a challenging context for Jaishankar's visit to Kyiv, where discussions with Sybiha are anticipated to cover regional developments and mutual concerns.
His following trip to Poland will connect him with a key European player in the Ukraine crisis, as Sikorski is recognized as a leading advocate for regional security and support for Kyiv.
This visit signifies a crucial diplomatic effort for India, as New Delhi continues to champion dialogue and diplomacy as the pathway to resolving the prolonged conflict.