'We cannot remain helpless spectators': Jaishankar presses for 'dialogue and diplomacy' amid Ukraine, West Asia conflicts | India News - Hindustan Times

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told a press conference that India cannot remain a helpless spectator as conflicts unfold in Ukraine and across West Asia, emphasizing the need for dialogue and diplomatic engagement. He reiterated that New Delhi’s foreign policy is guided by principles of peaceful coexistence, respect for sovereignty and the pursuit of solutions through negotiation rather than military escalation. The minister’s remarks came as the United Nations continued to hold emergency sessions on the Ukraine war and rising tensions in the Middle East, prompting India to reaffirm its call for a balanced approach.

The war in Ukraine, now in its third year, has disrupted global supply chains, energy markets and food security, issues that directly affect India’s large population and its import‑dependent economy. Meanwhile, the West Asian region faces a series of flare‑ups involving state and non‑state actors, raising concerns about maritime safety in the Indian Ocean and the stability of oil routes that feed Indian refineries. New Delhi has therefore been balancing its strategic partnerships with both Western powers and regional players, seeking to protect its energy needs while avoiding entanglement in any direct military confrontation.

Jaishankar’s call for sustained diplomatic effort signals that India will likely increase its participation in multilateral forums, such as the G20 and the UN, to push for ceasefire negotiations and humanitarian aid delivery. Observers expect the ministry to engage more actively with both Kyiv and Moscow, as well as with Gulf states, to safeguard trade routes and to promote a stable regional order. The next steps to watch include any new peace‑building proposals India may sponsor and the country’s response to any escalation in the Middle East that could impact its energy imports.