New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, where they discussed efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
India has positioned itself as an important mediator in diplomatic efforts to end nearly three years of hostilities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is among the few global leaders who have engaged with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in pursuit of peace.
Good to meet FM @andrii_sybiha of Ukraine on sidelines of #MSC2025 today.
Discussed ongoing efforts towards resolution of the Ukraine conflict.
Also spoke about further advancement of our bilateral cooperation.
🇮🇳 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/x9jW8NUyCq
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 14, 2025
India’s peace push
Jaishankar and Sybiha also explored ways to strengthen bilateral ties between India and Ukraine during their discussions. Meanwhile, during his recent meeting with former US President Donald Trump, PM Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to peace and said that the country does not take a neutral stance on the conflict. He also acknowledged Trump’s role in seeking a resolution to the war.
“India is not neutral. India is siding with peace. I have already said to President Putin that this is not the era of war. I support the efforts taken by President Trump,” PM Modi said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on India’s stance came a day after former US President Donald Trump held separate phone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump has reportedly conveyed to his advisers that he aims to bring the ongoing conflict in Ukraine to a swift conclusion.
US suggests Ukraine concessions
The new Trump administration has indicated that Ukraine might need to cede some territory to Russia as part of a resolution, while also suggesting that Kyiv’s NATO membership is “impractical.” This stance raises the possibility of a ceasefire on terms that may not be favorable to Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy has expressed willingness to engage in direct negotiations with Moscow but emphasized that Kyiv must first align its approach with the United States and Europe. On Friday, he met US Vice President JD Vance in Munich, where Vance reiterated Washington’s commitment to securing a “durable peace” in Ukraine.
