Ambassador P Harish stresses that “loss of innocent lives is unacceptable” as New Delhi pledges support for global peace efforts
New York, September 5: India has once again underlined its consistent stand on the Ukraine conflict at the United Nations General Assembly, declaring that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to peace. Addressing the debate on “The situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine” on Thursday, India’s Ambassador to the UN, P Harish, said New Delhi is committed to supporting all diplomatic efforts for an early end to the war.
“India continues to remain concerned over the situation in Ukraine. We maintain that the loss of innocent lives is unacceptable, and no solution can be found on the battlefield,” Harish said, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s often-repeated message: “This is not an era of war.”
India’s Diplomatic Balancing Act
Ambassador Harish highlighted that PM Modi has remained actively engaged with world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and European leadership, in search of a resolution.
“We believe all these diplomatic efforts hold the promise of bringing to an end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and opening up prospects for a lasting peace,” Harish noted.
India also welcomed recent diplomatic developments, including the Alaska Summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, praising it as a positive step toward de-escalation. Harish said India also takes note of Trump’s follow-up engagements with President Zelenskyy and European leaders in Washington, DC.
Impact on the Global South
India strongly voiced concern over the collateral consequences of the war, such as rising fuel prices and economic hardships that disproportionately affect developing nations.
“It is critical that the voices of the Global South are heard, and their legitimate concerns duly addressed,” Harish stressed, pointing out that many poorer nations have been left to “fend for themselves.”
Underscoring a people-centric approach, India continues to provide humanitarian assistance to Ukraine while also extending economic support to vulnerable nations in the Global South, including some of its immediate neighbors facing financial stress.
India’s Active Engagement with Ukraine
Ambassador Harish’s remarks at the UN followed External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s conversation with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha earlier in the day. Jaishankar assured that India supports an early end to the conflict and reaffirmed bilateral cooperation.
Sybiha, in turn, emphasized that Ukraine values India’s “authoritative voice” and active role in advancing international peace initiatives.
The Road Ahead
While challenges remain, India’s message at the UN was clear: the path to peace may appear difficult, but it can only be built on the foundation of dialogue, diplomacy, and inclusive participation of all stakeholders.
As Harish concluded, “The wholehearted participation and commitment of all stakeholders are critical for lasting peace.”