India abstained from signing the joint communique on peace in Ukraine during a summit hosted by Switzerland. The decision came as Russia chose not to attend the summit, dismissing it as a “waste of time.”

Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Pavan Kapoor, represented India at the two-day summit, which concluded on Sunday. Kapoor said that India’s participation aimed to explore pathways toward a negotiated settlement for the complex and pressing issue in Ukraine.

In a succinct statement, the senior Indian diplomat clarified India’s stance. While refraining from associating with any communique or document emerging from the summit, India called for “sincere and practical engagement” between Moscow and Kyiv to achieve a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.

"Our approach remains consistent," Kapoor stated. "Enduring peace can only be achieved 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," he said.

The summit brought together delegates from over 100 countries and organisations, including several heads of state. Notably absent were Russia, uninvited to the gathering, and China, which opted not to attend.

The joint communique issued at the summit’s conclusion was signed by 83 states and organisations. It reaffirmed signatories’ commitment to refraining from using force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.

It underscored the principles of sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity for all states, including Ukraine, within their internationally recognised borders. It also called for "sincere and practical engagement" between the warring parties.

Source: India Today