India (Commonwealth Union)_ India has received a special invitation from Saudi Arabia to participate in the two-day conference focused on Ukraine’s peace plan, scheduled to be held in the coastal city of Jeddah starting on Saturday. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, stated on Thursday that India’s attendance at the meeting aligns with its steadfast position, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy as the means to resolve the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
A select group of countries, including various European nations, the United States, China, and India, have been extended an invitation to this significant conference. Bagchi confirmed India’s participation in the event, emphasizing the country’s consistent belief in the efficacy of dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward. However, the specific representative from India for the conference was not mentioned at the moment, and further details regarding the level of participation will be communicated when appropriate.
Reports indicate that Russia has not been included among the invitees to this conference. The United States’ National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, is expected to be present for the discussions. Saudi Arabia’s hosting of this conference is viewed as a major initiative to deliberate on Ukraine’s 10-point peace plan, proposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The plan outlines strategies to end the conflict, including measures to hold accountable those responsible for war crimes, the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, and the restoration of the nation’s territorial integrity. The plan also addresses the crucial aspects of energy security, food security, and nuclear safety.
India has consistently maintained its stance that the Ukraine crisis necessitates a resolution through diplomatic and dialogic means. Notably, in May, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in face-to-face talks with President Zelenskyy during the G7 summit in Hiroshima. During this meeting, Modi assured Zelenskyy of India’s willingness to contribute in any possible manner towards finding a solution to the conflict.
Furthermore, during a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on September 16 of the previous year, in the Uzbek city of Samarkand, Modi emphasized the contemporary era’s preference for peaceful solutions and encouraged Putin to work towards ending the conflict. Zelenskyy, on his part, provided the Indian side with comprehensive insights into his proposed peace formula and urged New Delhi to support its implementation.
