Burn. Swiss Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Alexandre Fassel said on Friday that India is the only country that can help stop the war in Ukraine. He said India is a friend of the world and is expected to contribute significantly to bringing peace to war-torn Ukraine. Switzerland is preparing to host a major summit next month to end the conflict in Ukraine.
Fasel held extensive talks with Indian negotiators and through them invited the Indian Prime Minister to attend the summit. The aim of the conference is to chart a path to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Switzerland has invited more than 160 countries to the summit on June 15 and 16.
In an interview to ‘PTI-Bhasha’, Fasal said, ‘India is a friend of the world. The international community really hopes that India can contribute to this (peace) process. He said, ‘India is a friend of peace. India has vast experience in conflict transformation and peace promotion. The real hope is that we can work together and count on India’s support. However, India has not yet decided to participate in the summit in view of the ongoing parliamentary elections.
Fassel said, ‘Switzerland has invited heads of state and government from more than 160 countries to participate in the summit in Burgenstock. We fully hope that Prime Minister Modi will be able to attend it. A top Swiss diplomat said, ‘Currently, the Indian side is not in a position to make a decision or make a commitment because of the elections.’ Faisal referred to India’s close ties with Russia as well as Ukraine and hoped that New Delhi would play a role in the summit in preparing an action plan to bring peace to Ukraine.
He said, ‘India is the leader of the ‘Global South’. India has diplomatic dominance and influence across the world, which it rightly demonstrated during its presidency of the G20. India’s contribution to preparing the ground and preparing the framework is much anticipated, much awaited – an action plan that will lead to a negotiated solution to this conflict.
Faisal held an extensive conversation with Pawan Kapoor, Secretary, Western Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs. Asked whether Switzerland expects the summit to go ahead in the absence of Russia and China, Fessel said Beijing has not yet said whether it will attend. Asked about India’s participation in the summit, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, ‘We have received an invitation from Switzerland. We are yet to decide on our partnership. India insists on resolving the Ukraine dispute through dialogue and diplomacy.
Tags: PM Modi, Russia Ukraine war, Switzerland, Ukraine war
First published: May 17, 2024, 23:13 IST