EAM Jaishankar meets Ukrainian FM in Rome, discusses conflict with Russia

Rome, Nov 25 (ANI) External Affairs Minister (EAM), S. Jaishankar, on Monday, met with the Foreign Minister of Ukraine and discussed the conflict with Russia at the sidelines of the MED Mediterranean Dialogues Conference in Rome, Italy.

Apart from Ukraine, EAM Jaishankar met with his counterparts from France, Lebanon, and Croatia as well.

On his meeting with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, the EAM reiterated India's support for "dialogue and diplomacy" to end the long-running conflict.

"Good to meet FM of Ukraine @andrii_sybihain Rome today. Useful exchange on advancing our bilateral cooperation. Reiterated India's support for dialogue and diplomacy," he said on X.

The Ukrainian FM in a post on X said: "I held meaningful talks with @DrSJaishankar on a number of bilateral and international issues. I appreciate India's support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. India's global role is critical to advancing a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine."

He further added: "I informed about the latest developments, Russia's strikes on our energy system, including nuclear objects, and its use of an IRBM. We discussed the implementation of our leaders' agreements and agreed to hold the next intergovernmental commission meeting in the coming months."

EAM Jaishankar also discussed Indo-Pacific, Ukraine, and global issues with his French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot.

"A useful stock-taking of our bilateral partnership. Also discussed Indo-Pacific, Ukraine, and global issues," EAM Jaishankar said in a post on X.

He also interacted with Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib and his Croatian counterpart Gordan Grlic Radman.

"Glad to interact with Lebanese FM Abdallah Bou Habib at the @RomeMEDialogues. Look forward to remaining in touch," he said.

"Appreciate seeing FM @grlicradman of Croatia at the@RomeMEDialogues. His sentiments for our ties are always positive," he said in another X post.

Earlier on Monday, EAM Jaishankar addressed the Rome Mediterranean Dialogue where he said that the new element of the relationship between India and the Mediterranean would be connectivity, and called the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor "can be a game changer".

In his opening remarks at the MED Mediterranean Dialogues Conference in Rome, the EAM highlighted the growing significance of connectivity in global relations, especially in the context of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its impact on the region.

He noted that while the conflict has complicated the situation, progress on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) continues on the eastern side, particularly between India, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia.

EAM Jaishankar pointed out the importance of the I2U2 grouping, which consists of India, Israel, the UAE, and the US, and is expected to become more active in the future.

He also expressed concerns over the escalating situation in West Asia and mentioned that India has been in regular touch with both Israel and Iran to "advocate constraints" and "enhance communication" in an attempt to resolve the conflict between both countries.

He reiterated India's strong condemnation of terrorism, and the abduction of hostages by Hamas, and affirmed support for reaching a ceasefire.

EAM Jaishankar, however, also emphasised the need to abide by international humanitarian law and called large-scale civilian casualties "unacceptable".

"Today I focus my remarks on the conflicts. The situation in the Middle East is obviously deeply concerning, both for what has happened and what may still come. India unequivocally condemns terrorism and hostage-taking. It also regards large-scale civilian casualties in military operations to be unacceptable. International humanitarian law cannot be disregarded in immediate terms. We should all support a ceasefire," he said.