Jaishankar says Modi and Putin discussed Ukraine conflict
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated there are no military solutions to the conflict.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the Ukraine conflict with Russian President Vladimir Putin in New Delhi and Bishkek. According to the Times of India, Jaishankar shared these details on Saturday while speaking to news agency ANI on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Atlanta.
Jaishankar said India is engaging with Russia, Ukraine, European countries, and the United States. He noted that India is coordinating with the Americans because they have their own peace mediation initiative, adding that Secretary Rubio is aware of the discussions.
The minister outlined three key priorities for India's diplomatic engagement. These include ensuring civilian shipping and seafarers are not targeted, restoring grain exports from Russia and Ukraine, and protecting energy infrastructure such as refineries and electricity grids.
Jaishankar described the issue of energy as the most complicated piece because it means different things to different players. He said India is trying to bring the parties together but cannot publicly disclose the current status of the discussions.
Reiterating India's position at the G20 meeting, Jaishankar said there are no military solutions and that a diplomatic pathway must be found. He also flagged that the Global South is bearing the brunt of energy shortages caused by market distortions.