Jaishankar Meets Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Discusses Peace Efforts To End War With Russia

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, reviewed bilateral relations on Tuesday and discussed the latest developments in efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue and jointly inaugurated Ukraine's new consulate in Mumbai.

Photo Credit: X/DrSJaishankar

Their meeting took place just hours before a crucial phone call between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, regarding a ceasefire.

Jaishankar stated in a social media post that Sybiha had briefed him on the peace negotiations, adding, "I appreciated his insights on Ukraine's assessment of the peace process."

He further remarked, "The inauguration of the new Consulate General of Ukraine in Mumbai and the signing of a protocol agreement on visa-free travel for officials will strengthen our bilateral engagement."

In a separate social media post, Sybiha described their discussion as a detailed exchange on the path to peace.

Commenting on the consulate's opening, he stated, "Even in wartime, we are expanding our diplomatic presence in India. This demonstrates our commitment to increasing bilateral trade, cooperation, and dialogue."

Sybiha also praised India's technological advancements, highlighting that Ukraine's war-driven innovation could create significant opportunities for technological collaboration between the two nations.

At the Raisina Dialogue, Sybiha took part in a session on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and was among several foreign ministers and senior officials whom Jaishankar met on the sidelines of the conference on geopolitics.

During a meeting with Nepal's Foreign Minister, Arzu Deuba, Jaishankar discussed bilateral cooperation. Deuba later stated on social media that they reviewed ties and explored ways to enhance diplomatic and people-to-people exchanges.

She expressed appreciation for India's "Neighbourhood First" policy and reaffirmed Nepal's commitment to prioritising its relationship with India.

Jaishankar also met with his Maldivian counterpart, Abdulla Khaleel, to review progress in bilateral cooperation. Khaleel noted on social media that their discussion covered development cooperation and avenues for expanding collaboration in mutually beneficial areas.

In addition, Jaishankar held talks with UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell on bilateral, regional, and global security issues. His meeting with Luxembourg's Foreign Minister, Xavier Bettel, focused on UN reform, the situation in Ukraine, and the India-EU partnership.

During discussions with Filipino Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo, Jaishankar addressed connectivity, maritime cooperation, infrastructure, and strengthening ASEAN ties.

Jaishankar and Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa deliberated on digital technology, connectivity, and food security, as well as the forthcoming BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend.

Maris affirmed that both sides had reiterated their "commitment to a deeper partnership for peace, prosperity, and connectivity across the regions," adding that he looked forward to meeting Jaishankar again at the BIMSTEC Summit.

Jaishankar also engaged in discussions with International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi, Antigua and Barbuda's Foreign Minister Chet Greene, Latvian Foreign Minister Braze Baiba, and Peru's Foreign Minister Elmer Schialer Salcedo.