Jaishankar, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Discuss War and Peace Efforts Amid Shifting Battlefield Dynamics
India reiterates support for diplomacy as Jaishankar meets Ukrainian, Saudi and EU leaders during Cyprus visit
Nicosia: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday held discussions with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, ongoing military developments and international efforts to secure a lasting peace.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the informal gathering of European Union foreign ministers, known as the Gymnich Forum, in Cyprus.
Describing the interaction as productive, Jaishankar said both sides exchanged perspectives on the evolving conflict and reviewed bilateral cooperation between India and Ukraine.
Sybiha said the talks centred on the current security situation, including recent battlefield developments and Ukraine’s diplomatic outreach for peace. He asserted that despite continued attacks, including recent strikes on Kyiv, Ukraine remained determined to defend its sovereignty.
“We want to end this war and achieve a comprehensive and lasting peace,” Sybiha said, while calling for stronger international engagement and greater global participation in peace initiatives.
The Ukrainian minister also welcomed India’s role in ongoing diplomatic efforts and expressed hope for New Delhi’s continued contribution towards dialogue and conflict resolution.
Both leaders agreed to maintain regular engagement on matters of mutual interest and further strengthen bilateral ties.
India has consistently advocated dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable path to resolving the conflict, while maintaining relations with both Moscow and Kyiv. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly emphasised that “this is not an era of war” and backed peaceful settlement efforts.
Separately, Jaishankar met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and discussed the changing geopolitical situation in West Asia.
He also held talks with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas on India-EU cooperation and regional developments.
Jaishankar arrived in Cyprus earlier in the day to participate in the Gymnich meeting, where European foreign ministers are expected to deliberate on major strategic, economic and security challenges facing the region.
In a social media post, Jaishankar thanked Kallas and Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos for the invitation to the high-level gathering.
