India has chosen not to sign the joint communique at a Switzerland-hosted summit focused on peace in Ukraine, maintaining that all parties involved in the conflict must participate in negotiations.
The two-day summit at the Swiss Alpine resort of Stansstad brought together over 50 heads of state and government, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Despite the significant international presence, Russia did not attend, dismissing the summit as a “waste of time.”
Representing India at the talks was Pavan Kapoor, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs. Kapoor emphasized India’s aim to explore pathways towards a negotiated settlement for the conflict in Ukraine. He clarified India’s position in a brief statement, stressing the importance of “sincere and practical engagement” between Moscow and Kyiv to achieve peace.
“Our approach remains consistent,” Kapoor stated. “Enduring peace can only be achieved through dialogue and diplomacy. We believe that peace requires bringing together all stakeholders and engaging sincerely and practically between the conflicting parties.”
The summit saw delegates from over 100 countries and organizations, with several heads of state in attendance. Absent from the gathering were Russia, which was not invited, and China, which chose not to participate.
The joint communique, signed by 83 states and organizations, reaffirmed the commitment to refraining from the use of force against any state’s territorial integrity or political independence. It emphasized the principles of sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity for all states, including Ukraine, within their internationally recognized borders. It also called for “sincere and practical engagement” between the warring parties.
In addition to India, other nations such as Indonesia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa also chose not to sign the peace document, according to Reuters.
