Here are the 6 reasons for India's neutral stand on Russia-Ukraine conflict

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in Rajya Sabha that India’s position on the Ukraine crisis is based on six principles, including an immediate end to violence, a return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy and respect for the territorial integrity of all states.

Referring to the six principles on which India’s position on the Ukraine situation is based, Jaishankar listed them to include an “immediate cessation of violence and end to hostilities”, “a return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy” and the global order being anchored on international law, the UN Charter and respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states.

“Foreign policy decisions made in line with national interests”

Jaishankar said that India’s foreign policy decisions in such matters are made in line with national interests.

Referring to “emerging problems in dealing with Russia” because of sanctions imposed by Western powers, Jaishankar said that the government is examining various aspects of the matter, including the issue of payments to Russia. He said that a group of various ministries, led by the Finance ministry, is examining these matters.

Also read: India firm on Ukraine, won’t link conflict, trade, says Jaishankar

Responding to a question about growing relations between Russia and China, including in the military sphere, Jaishankar said that the government is aware of changes in international relations. “These changes are assessed from a national perspective and India’s strategy is fashioned in accordance with these developments,” the minister said.

Call for humanitarian access

Jaishankar said that these principles further included the call for humanitarian access in a complex situation, and being in touch with the leadership of both Russia and Ukraine. He noted that India has provided 90 tonnes of humanitarian assistance to Ukraine till date.

Jaishankar also said in a statement that India’s position on the Ukraine conflict had been “steadfast and consistent” and the country has expressed deep concern at the worsening situation and called for an immediate cessation of violence. “As conveyed in our statements at the [UN] Security Council and the General Assembly, we have urged an urgent ceasefire and ensuring safe passage for stranded civilians.”

“We are for peace”

“Our position is not that this is not our problem, our position is that we are for peace,” Jaishankar said, adding that Modi had spoken thrice with Russian President Vladimir Putin and twice with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “These discussions had looked at what India could do to encourage a cessation of hostilities and return to diplomacy and dialogue”, he said.

In his phone calls with Zelenskyy, Modi noted that “India has always stood for peaceful resolution of issues and direct dialogue between the two parties”, according to the statement.

Jaishankar further said that Modi had welcomed ongoing negotiations between Russia and Ukraine during his conversation with Putin, and expressed the hope that the talks will lead to the end of the conflict. “He suggested that a direct conversation between President Putin and President Zelenskyy may greatly assist the ongoing peace efforts,” Jaishankar added.