Jaishankar headed for Moscow in bid to look at peace talks with Ukraine

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be travelling to Moscow next month in what would be his first visit to Russia after it launched its ‘Special Military Operation’ in neighbouring Ukraine in February, earlier this year.

“Russian FM’s Spokeswoman Maria #Zakharova: On November 8 in Moscow, #Russian FM Sergey #Lavrov will have talks with External Affairs Minister of #India Dr S.Jaishankar,” tweeted the Russian Embassy in India Thursday evening.

“The Ministers will discuss the current state of bilateral relations and the international agenda,” it added.

Both ministers have however stayed in constant touch and met on the sidelines of various international forums over the past few months.

“A wide-ranging conversation with FM Sergey Lavrov at #UNGA 77. Discussed our bilateral cooperation. Exchanged views on Ukraine, G-20 and UN reforms,” the EAM had tweeted after meeting Lavrov in New York last month.

Earlier this month, while staying consistent with its “well thought out national position”, India abstained from a vote at the 11th Emergency Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly which adopted a resolution condemning Russia’s “attempted illegal annexation” of four regions of Ukraine.

Explaining its decision to abstain from voting, India said that there are other pressing issues at play, some of which have not been adequately addressed in the resolution.

“It is also unfortunate that as the trajectory of the Ukrainian conflict unfolds, the entire global south has suffered a substantial collateral damage. As developing countries face the brunt of the conflict’s consequences on fuel, food and fertilizer supplies, it is critical that the voice of global south be heard and their legitimate concerns duly addressed,” said Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, India’s Permanent Representative at the United Nations in New York.

India also continues to reiterate that it remains deeply concerned at the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, including the targeting of civilian infrastructure and the deaths of civilians.

New Delhi has consistently advocated that no solution can ever be arrived at the cost of human lives and escalation of hostilities and violence is in no one’s interest.

Jaishankar, during his address in New York last month, had said that India is not only on the side of peace – and will remain firmly there – but is also supporting those struggling to make ends meet, even as they stare at the escalating costs of food, of fuel and fertilizers.

Also Read: India abstains from UN vote condemning Russia, says resolution does not address concerns of Global South