Endless wars must give way to end of war: MEA emphasises PM Modi's message on India's engagement with Russia, Ukraine

Addressing a biweekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India had been engaging with both Moscow and Kyiv and had conveyed certain ideas to them in keeping with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to contribute towards peace.

As you know that India has been emphasising that the way forward is to take the path of dialogue and diplomacy. And in recent months, our Prime Minister has expressed and articulated that endless wars must now give way to end of war, Jaiswal said.

He said India's proposals included ensuring the safety of commercial shipping in the Black Sea region and addressing the immediate concerns of both countries regarding energy and grain exports, as well as exploring non-attack arrangements.

Keeping with this idea of bringing peace to the region, India has engaged or has been engaged with both Russia and Ukraine, and we have conveyed certain ideas to them, he said.

These ideas include safety of commercial shipping in the Black Sea region. It also includes addressing concerns, immediate concerns of both the countries in regard to energy and grain exports, as also non-attack arrangements, Jaiswal added.

Referring to PM Modi's conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday, Jaiswal said the two leaders shared perspectives on the ongoing conflict, its humanitarian aspects and various efforts underway to restore peace.

Yesterday, as you are aware, our Prime Minister spoke to President Zelenskyy of Ukraine. They shared, leaders shared, both leaders shared perspectives on the ongoing conflict, its humanitarian aspects, as also various efforts to restore peace that are undergoing. Prime Minister reiterated India's firm commitment to contribute towards peace in every possible way, he said.

Following the conversation, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, with the two leaders discussing ongoing diplomatic initiatives focused on the conflict, Jaiswal said.

On the issue of food corridors, he said India had exchanged ideas with both sides and remained in touch with Russia, Ukraine and other interested parties to contribute towards restoring peace in the region.

This comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, followed by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the same day. (ANI)