NSA Ajit Doval advocates respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity in Ukraine conflict

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval being welcomed by Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Khan and Consul General Mohammed Shahid Alam at the Jeddah Airport on Saturday. PTI Photo

Addressing a conference on the Ukraine crisis, India's National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, highlighted the necessity for all states to uphold the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, without any exceptions. The conference, organized by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman and attended by top security officials from around 40 countries, including US NSA Jake Sullivan and China's Special Envoy for Eurasian Affairs Li Hui, aimed to address the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

In his speech on Saturday, Doval emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy as the sole means for achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict. He acknowledged the worldwide impact of the situation, particularly on the Global South.

India's approach, he affirmed, aligns with principles enshrined in the UN Charter and international law. Doval expressed the belief that all peace efforts, encompassing all stakeholders, must be pursued to achieve a just and lasting solution. He emphasized that India's participation in the conference reflects its commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward for peace.

Doval stated that India is actively providing both humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and economic support to its neighboring countries in the Global South.

The conference was centered on Ukraine's 10-point "peace plan" proposed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which seeks to end the conflict and restore Ukraine's territorial integrity. The plan encompasses steps to address war crimes, withdraw Russian troops, ensure energy and food security, and maintain nuclear safety.

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India's participation in the conference is consistent with its longstanding position that dialogue and diplomacy are essential for resolving the Ukraine crisis. The country has consistently maintained that a diplomatic approach is crucial in ending the conflict.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in September of the previous year, stressed that the current era emphasizes peace rather than war. He urged the Russian leader to seek a resolution to the conflict.

Earlier this year, Modi met with President Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the G7 summit and expressed India's commitment to finding a solution to the crisis.

Zelenskyy praised the support for his peace formula and the joint efforts for its implementation. He emphasized that ending the occupation of Ukrainian land aligns with the restoration of international law and the UN Charter's principles. (Agencies)