India ready to help resolve Ukraine conflict, Jaishankar says in Kyiv

India is ready to help find a path toward peace in Ukraine, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said in Kyiv after meeting Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. He repeated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message that “this is not an era of war.”

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This is not an era of war.

Jaishankar also mourned the death of an Indian citizen in an attack in Kyiv. He said the conflict had consequences beyond the battlefield, including attacks on commercial shipping and risks for seafarers. Indian crew members work on ships flying many flags, he said, while disruptions to shipping were contributing to fuel, fertilizer and food shortages in developing countries.

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Only two days ago, an Indian national was also killed in an attack in Kyiv. We join in mourning every life lost and convey our deepest sympathy to every affected family.

“Every passing day of conflict only means more deaths and more destruction,” Jaishankar said. He acknowledged that the countries directly involved must ultimately find a solution, but added that India was prepared to assist in any way it could.

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Every passing day of conflict only means more deaths and more destruction. Understandably, it is for the parties involved to find a way. But, if India can be of any help in any manner, we are ready.

India has delivered 19 consignments of humanitarian aid to Ukraine, totaling 160 tonnes of generator sets, medicines and medical equipment. Jaishankar also said trade between the two countries continued across pharmaceuticals, food and agriculture, fertilizers, machinery, chemicals and consumer goods. He thanked Ukrainian authorities for supporting Indian students and invited Sybiha to India for the next meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission.

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We have provided so far 19 consignments of humanitarian assistance including 160 tonnes comprising generator sets, medicines, medical equipment etc.