France counts on Indo-Russia links to resolve Ukraine conflict

Francehopes thatIndiawill use itslinkswithRussiato find a peaceful solution amid theUkraineconflict. New Delhi has had a close relationship with Moscow, something that is well known. "We ask theIndian government to useRussianlinksto help usforpeace," French Diplomatic sources told WION, pointing to frequent contacts between the two sides on the issue.

As theconflictbetweenRussiaandUkraineenters its second year, the focus is on finding a peaceful solution to theconflict. The United Nations General Assembly is set to vote on a western-backed resolution callingforthe immediate withdrawal ofRussian militaryforces from Ukrainian territory, with a cessation of hostilities.

While the resolution has been discussed with all partners to address their concerns, French diplomatic sources have stressed the importance ofIndia's role in finding a peaceful solution.

Indiahas maintained close ties with bothRussiaand the West, making it a crucial player in theconflict. However, theIndian government's position on the UNGA resolution is still unclear, according to French diplomatic sources. "Atthis stage, we still don't know what the position of the (Indian) government will be. We have a very candid discussion with them," said the sources. They further explained,' the UNGA draft resolution has been discussed will all our partners in order to accommodate their concerns.'

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The French side has welcomed PM Modi's remarks that this is not an era of war. PM Modi had told this toRussian President Putin during his bilateral on-the-sidelines Shanghai cooperation organisation summit in Samarkand last year. Since then, the remark has been quoted often by world leaders including French President Macronatthe annual United Nations general assembly meeting in New York.

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