Consequences of Ukraine conflict, including fuel price, affecting economies worldwide: India tells UN General Assembly

India has reiterated its concern over the ongoing war in Ukraine, stressing that the loss of innocent lives is unacceptable and that “no solution can be found on the battlefield.”

Speaking at the UN General Assembly debate on “The situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine”, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Parvathaneni Harish said dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to peace.

“India welcomes recent positive developments in this direction. We endorse the summit meeting in Alaska between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, and appreciate the progress made there,” Harish stated.

He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains in close contact with President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and European leaders regarding the evolving situation.

Highlighting the wider impact of the war, Harish expressed regret over its collateral consequences, particularly the surge in fuel prices that has strained economies worldwide.

The UN representative of India also emphasized that the Global South has been disproportionately affected and urged that their voices and concerns be given due recognition.

The summit between Trump and Putin took place on August 15 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. While both leaders described the talks as constructive, no ceasefire or formal agreement was announced. The meeting was closely watched by the international community as a rare direct engagement since the start of the war.

“An early end to the conflict in Ukraine is in the interest of everyone. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said on several occasions, this is not an era of war. India stands ready to support diplomatic efforts for an early resolution,” Harish affirmed.