India Highlights Global South Concerns Amid Ukraine Conflict at UNGA
UNITED NATIONS: India expressed deep concern over the “collateral consequences” of the Ukraine conflict, including rising fuel prices, emphasizing that countries in the Global South have been left to navigate its impact largely on their own. Delhi reiterated that diplomatic efforts offer the best path to end the war and achieve lasting peace.
“India remains concerned about the situation in Ukraine. The loss of innocent lives is unacceptable, and no solution can be achieved on the battlefield,” India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, said.
Speaking at the UN General Assembly debate on ‘The situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine,’ Harish noted that the repercussions of the conflict are being felt worldwide, particularly by the Global South. “It is critical that their voices are heard, and their legitimate concerns addressed,” he said.
India welcomed recent positive developments toward peace and underscored the importance of full stakeholder participation in resolving the conflict. Harish highlighted last month’s Alaska summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, appreciating progress made there.
“We also note subsequent diplomatic efforts by the US President engaging with the Ukrainian President and European leaders in Washington,” he added. “We believe these diplomatic initiatives hold promise for ending the conflict in Ukraine and opening avenues for lasting peace.”
Following the Alaska summit, Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders, including Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz, France’s President Emmanuel Macron, UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, at the White House.
Harish said Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains in contact with Putin, Zelensky, and European leaders regarding the evolving situation. Stressing the importance of an early resolution, he quoted Modi: “This is not an era of war,” and affirmed India’s readiness to support diplomatic efforts.
Hours before India’s UNGA statement, Modi spoke with European Council President António Costa and von der Leyen, exchanging views on mutual concerns and efforts to end the Ukraine conflict. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also discussed the situation with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, emphasizing India’s support for a prompt resolution and lasting peace.
Sybiha acknowledged India’s influential role, noting Ukraine’s reliance on Delhi to support cessation of hostilities and broader international peace efforts. The two leaders agreed to meet during the upcoming high-level UNGA session.
Earlier this week, Modi met Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin, China, and the two leaders discussed regional and global developments, including a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict. Modi also recently spoke with Zelensky over the phone, focusing on humanitarian concerns and efforts to restore peace and stability.
Harish stressed that India has consistently advocated dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable route to end the Ukraine conflict. He highlighted India’s people-centric approach, including humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and economic support to partners in the Global South, including neighboring countries facing economic challenges.
