India opts out of joint statement at Ukraine Peace Summit, emphasises on dialogue & diplomacy

India has announced that it will not be part of the joint statement of the Ukraine peace summit currently underway in Switzerland. Addressing the summit, Secretary West in the Ministry of External Affairs Pavan Kapoor emphasised on India's stance on the conflict, stating, "In our view, only those options acceptable to both parties can lead to abiding peace. In line with this approach, we have decided to avoid association with a joint communique or any other document emerging from this summit."

Explaining India's presence at the summit, Ambassador Kapoor said, "We will continue to engage with all stakeholders as well as the two parties to the conflict to contribute to all earnest efforts to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine."

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He further added, "Our participation in the summit and continued engagement with all stakeholders is with a view to understanding different perspectives, approaches, and options to find a way forward for a sustainable resolution of the conflict."

Switzerland is hosting the summit, which includes a guest list of 90 countries and organisations. The gathering aims to explore ways to find a settlement of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Ambassador Kapoor highlighted India's concern over the situation in Ukraine and its support for a peaceful resolution, stating, "We support any collective desire to facilitate a peaceful resolution of the conflict."

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India's participation in preceding National Security Advisor (NSA) political director-level meetings, based on Ukraine's peace formula, aligns with its consistent approach to resolving conflicts through "dialogue and diplomacy."

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Ambassador Kapoor reiterated this stance, saying, "enduring peace can be achieved only through dialogue and diplomacy. We continue to believe that such a peace requires bringing together all stakeholders and a sincere and practical engagement between the two parties to the conflict."

The US sent Vice President Kamala Harris, who announced a $1.5 billion aid package for Ukraine. Russia is not present at the meeting. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also in attendance, hoping to gain support for his 10-point peace plan. Russia, China are not presentatthesummit.

Of the 92 countries present at the Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland, 79 countries have supported the final joint Communiqué while around 13 countries have opted out. The countries who have opted out of the joint statement include Armenia, Bahrain, Brazil, Colombia, Vatican, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Libya, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, UnitedArabEmirates.