Jeddah: National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval emphasized India’s proactive commitment to finding a comprehensive and lasting resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict during a summit of national security advisers held in Jeddah, hosted by Saudi Arabia. NSA Doval arrived in Jeddah on Saturday for the summit, which aimed to address the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
During the meeting, Doval highlighted India’s consistent engagement with both Russia and Ukraine at the highest levels since the inception of the conflict. He underlined India’s support for the global order based on the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and international law, emphasizing the importance of upholding sovereignty and territorial integrity for all states without exceptions. He stated that a solution to the conflict should involve all stakeholders and must be pursued through peaceful means.
Doval stressed that the repercussions of the Russia-Ukraine conflict are felt worldwide, particularly in the Global South. India has been actively providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and extending economic aid to its neighboring countries in the Global South. India’s approach to this conflict has consistently revolved around promoting dialogue and diplomacy as the most effective paths to achieving lasting peace.
The summit addressed a dual challenge – seeking a resolution to the conflict and mitigating its consequences. Doval underscored the need for concerted efforts on both fronts, requiring comprehensive groundwork to ensure progress.
Various peace proposals have been put forward, but none have garnered acceptance from both sides. The central question addressed in the meeting revolved around the feasibility of reaching a solution agreeable to all relevant parties.
Upon his arrival at Jeddah Airport, Doval was welcomed by the Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Khan, and Consul General Mohammed Shahid Alam. The summit, held in Jeddah, was convened to discuss Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s peace plan in the context of the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Shri Ajit Doval, NSA arrived in Jeddah to take part in National Security Advisors' meeting on Ukraine. He was welcomed at Jeddah Airport by Ambassador Dr Suhel Khan and Consul General Mohd Shahid Alam.@MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy pic.twitter.com/wmLQ10f17l
— India in Saudi Arabia (@IndianEmbRiyadh) August 5, 2023
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed India’s participation in the summit, aligning with India’s steadfast position favoring dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward. The Jeddah summit brought together around 30 countries, including Chile, Egypt, the European Union, Indonesia, Mexico, Poland, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Zambia.
While Russia expressed its interest in monitoring the meeting’s goals, it sought a clearer understanding of the objectives. The Wall Street Journal initially reported on the summit, indicating that it aimed to pave the way for a broader peace summit later in the year, where global leaders could endorse shared principles for conflict resolution.
Andriy Yermak, chief of staff for Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, confirmed the participation of officials from several countries in the Saudi Arabian summit, although specifics about the timing and location of the meeting were not disclosed.
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