India can play key role for peace in Ukraine, says Swiss minister

PTI

Davos, January 14

National security advisers (NSAs) of several countries met in Davos on Sunday to discuss a peace formula for Ukraine and pushed for early restoration of peace in the war-hit country, with the host Switzerland asserting that India can play a key role with its influence on and relations with Russia. The meeting saw many participants echoing India’s position that war can never be a solution and that dialogue was a must to resolve the situation.

Highlights indian influence

• Swiss foreign minister Ignazio Cassis says India, with its influence on Russia, can play a key role to achieve the goal of peace in Kyiv.
• Deputy NSA Vikram Misri represents India at Davos meeting, calls for early restoration of peace. There was no official word on this.

Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said Russia would be asked to join the peace plan discussions at some point in time but to bring Russia on the table would require mediation by some countries. He said restoring peace is the ultimate objective. The Swiss Federal Councillor for Foreign Affairs, while replying to questions, said participation from BRICS countries, including India, is very important, as these are the countries, which have got some relations continuing with Russia. He also lauded the position taken by countries like India, saying their actions are facilitating this collective movement.

“Participation of countries from BRICS alliance is of utmost importance. We saw Ukraine President going to Argentina. Such actions are facilitating this collective action. China can play a crucial role in all of this, and we should find a better way to cooperate and engage with China to make progress. It’s not easy and it will be a long process, but there is no other option than dialogue,” he said.

While China was not present at the meeting, India was represented by Deputy National Security Advisor (NSA) Vikram Misri.

This was the fourth NSA meeting on the peace formula proposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in 2022, which follows 10 principles aimed at ensuring a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

India has always pitched for restoration of peace in Ukraine and PM Narendra Modi, during his discussions with Zelenskyy, has said that India was ready to help in all possible manner to help restore peace. Sources said that the Indian representative at the Davos meeting again called for early restoration of peace, though there was no official word on this.

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