S Jaishankar said that India has always believed that this is not a time of war and no permanent solution can emerge from the battlefield.
New Delhi: Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has offered India’s help in efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. He said that if India’s participation helps in stopping this conflict then New Delhi is ready to help in any way. Jaishankar said this while talking to the media after talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiha during his visit to Kiev on Thursday.
This is not a time of war: S Jaishankar
Jaishankar said that India has always believed that this is not a time of war and no permanent solution can emerge from the battlefield. Referring to PM Modi’s recent comment, he said that just two days ago in Bishkek, the Prime Minister had said that instead of a never-ending war, the war should end now.
He said, “Every passing day of the conflict brings more deaths and destruction. Obviously the parties involved will have to find a way out. But if India can help in any way, we are ready. This was the main theme of my conversation with the External Affairs Minister here today.”
Discussion on attacks on commercial shipping
The Foreign Minister said that during the talks, specific consequences of the war were also discussed, which included attacks on commercial shipping. He said Indian seafarers serve on ships flagged by many countries and they too have been affected in such incidents.
The disruption to shipping is having a widespread impact on countries in the Global South. Because of this, concerns about the availability of fuel, fertilizers and food have increased in many parts of the world.
India’s humanitarian assistance to Ukraine
Jaishankar said that India has sent 19 consignments of humanitarian aid to Ukraine since the beginning of the war. This includes about 160 tonnes of goods, which include generator sets, medicines and medical equipment. He said he would discuss with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister what more could be done in this area.
India-Ukraine business and Indian students
On bilateral economic relations, Jaishankar said that there are trade relations between the two countries in pharma, food and agriculture, fertilizers, machinery, chemicals and consumer goods. War and logistics problems have hampered trade over the past four years.
But relations have also shown strength and new possibilities have emerged. He also mentioned education and said that a large number of Indian students are studying in Ukraine. He thanked the Ukrainian authorities for their care.
Hope for cooperation in AI and startup
Jaishankar said India wants to increase cooperation with Ukraine in emerging areas. Ukraine has significant capabilities and India is growing rapidly in digital technology, innovation and startups. Both countries can work together in these areas.