Riyadh – In a significant development aimed at fostering peace and stability in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval arrived in Jeddah on Saturday to participate in the high-level peace talks hosted by the Kingdom. The talks, which bring together key stakeholders from Russia and Ukraine, are expected to lay the groundwork for a peaceful resolution to the long-standing dispute.
Mr. Doval’s presence at the negotiations highlights India’s commitment to global peace and its willingness to play a constructive role in resolving global conflicts. As a country with a history of maintaining friendly relations with both Russia and Ukraine, India’s involvement in the peace talks is seen as a positive step towards de-escalation and finding a diplomatic solution.
The visit of the Indian National Security Advisor comes at a time when tensions between Russia and Ukraine have reached a critical point. The conflict, which originated in 2014, has resulted in numerous casualties and a humanitarian crisis in the region. With both sides engaging in military maneuvers and exchanging accusations, the international community has been actively working towards finding a peaceful settlement.
Saudi Arabia, known for its diplomatic prowess and regional influence, took the initiative to host the peace talks in Riyadh. Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s efforts to bring the conflicting parties to the negotiating table have been lauded by the international community, with hopes that the talks will pave the way for a lasting ceasefire and eventual resolution of the conflict.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh tweeted, “Shri Ajit Doval, NSA arrived in Jeddah to take part in National Security Advisors’ meeting on Ukraine. He was welcomed at Jeddah Airport by Ambassador Dr Suhel Khan and Consul General Mohd Shahid Alam”.
MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, “India will participate in this event and our participation is in consonance with our long-standing position that dialogue and diplomacy is the way forward. Yes, India has been invited to a meeting being hosted by Saudi Arabia on Ukraine in Jeddah”.
Ajit Doval, a seasoned diplomat and strategic expert, brings extensive experience and expertise to the negotiations. As India’s National Security Advisor, he has been instrumental in formulating the country’s foreign policy and national security strategies. His presence at the talks is expected to bolster the discussions and contribute to the development of a comprehensive peace plan.
India has maintained a long-standing policy of non-alignment, which allows the country to engage with multiple parties involved in a conflict while remaining neutral. This approach has garnered respect and credibility, making India a trusted partner in international peace processes.
According to a statement from Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov, Russia’s state-run Tass news agency reported that Russia will closely monitor the upcoming meeting and would require a complete understanding of the objectives being pursued.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the Jeddah summit’s guest list of 30 participants includes Chile, Egypt, the European Union, Indonesia, Mexico, Poland, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Zambia.
Andriy Yermak, Chief of Staff to President Zelenskyy, announced that representatives from multiple nations will attend the Saudi Arabian summit, though specific details regarding the date and location of the meeting have not been disclosed.
