External Affairs Minister stresses India’s support for an early end to the conflict, as Ukraine calls New Delhi’s role an “authoritative voice” in global peace efforts
New Delhi, September 5: India has once again signaled its commitment to peace in Ukraine, with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar holding a crucial conversation with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Thursday. The talks focused on bilateral cooperation and the ongoing conflict, with Jaishankar reiterating that India stands firmly in support of an early and lasting end to the war.
In a post on X, the EAM shared:
“Spoke to FM @andrii_sybiha of Ukraine this evening. Discussed our bilateral cooperation as well as the Ukraine conflict. India supports an early end to this conflict and the establishment of an enduring peace.”
Ukraine Seeks India’s Active Role
Responding to the discussion, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Sybiha acknowledged New Delhi’s influence in the global arena, saying Kyiv relies on India’s “authoritative voice” and active participation in broader peace-building initiatives.
He further revealed that both sides discussed strengthening the Ukraine–India partnership, particularly in line with the agreements reached between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in earlier exchanges.
“I informed my Indian colleague about the current battlefield situation and Ukraine’s efforts to achieve a just peace. We rely on India’s authoritative voice and active role in supporting the full cessation of hostilities and broader international peace efforts,” Sybiha posted on X.
“We agreed to meet during the UNGA high-level week in New York and continue developing our bilateral relations across political dialogue, economic cooperation, technology, and other areas.”
India’s Balancing Act Between Kyiv and Moscow
The latest engagement comes at a time when New Delhi is carefully navigating its diplomatic relations with both Moscow and Kyiv.
Just days earlier, Prime Minister Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. Their talks covered trade, fertilizers, space, culture, and security, alongside the conflict in Ukraine.
Modi later posted:
“Had an excellent meeting with President Putin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. Discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in all sectors… We exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine. Our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership remains a vital pillar of regional and global stability.”
Before the SCO summit, Modi also spoke with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy over the phone on August 30, assuring India’s full support for peace and stability.
Wider Diplomatic Engagements
Meanwhile, EAM Jaishankar continues his wider diplomatic consultations on the issue. On Wednesday, he exchanged views on both the Ukraine conflict and developments in West Asia with German counterpart Johann Wadephul in New Delhi.
With back-to-back engagements involving Kyiv, Moscow, Berlin, and upcoming meetings at the UN General Assembly, India’s approach reflects a consistent emphasis on dialogue, balance, and peace-building amid one of the most pressing global conflicts.