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Context: India avoids signing any communique on peace in Ukraine at Swiss summit.

 Details

India’s Participation at the Summit

• Pavan Kapoor, Secretary (West) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), led the Indian delegation at the summit. He stated, “Our participation in this summit and continued engagement with all stakeholders is with a view to understanding different perspectives, approaches, and options to find a way forward for a sustainable resolution of the conflict.”
• Secretary reiterated that only solutions acceptable to both parties could lead to lasting peace. This statement underscores India’s belief in balanced and mutually agreeable resolutions.

Global Participation and India’s Unique Stance

• The summit saw the attendance of around 100 delegations, including 57 heads of state and government, aiming to initiate a process for lasting peace in Ukraine. Eighty countries and four European institutions signed the final joint communique.
• However, alongside India, several other countries, including Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Mexico, South Africa, Brazil, Armenia, Libya, Indonesia, Bahrain, Colombia, and the United Arab Emirates, chose not to sign the final document.

India’s Consistent Advocacy for Peace

• Prime Minister , during his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the 50th G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy, reiterated India’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
• PM emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving the conflict, stating, “India believes in a human-centric approach and believes that the way to peace is through dialogue and diplomacy.”
• In 2023, India abstained from voting on a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution titled ‘Principles of the Charter of the United Nations underlying a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine.’ India cited that the resolution lacked basic concepts necessary for achieving sustainable peace in the region.

Focus on Dialogue and Diplomacy

• India’s consistent stance that no solution should come at the cost of human lives and that escalating hostilities and violence benefits no one.
• “India shares the global concerns over the situation in Ukraine and supports any collective desire to facilitate peaceful resolution of the conflict.”

The Broader Context of the Summit

• The Bürgenstock summit, hosted by Switzerland, marked a significant step towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
• Discussions at the summit focused on three main topics: nuclear safety, food security, and the humanitarian aspects of the conflict, including the treatment of prisoners of war and abducted children. These areas were chosen as they are crucial for building trust between the conflicting parties.
• The joint communique that emerged reflected the collective desire of the participating states to contribute to the peace process.
• President Viola Amherd of Switzerland commended the joint communique as a strong signal from the international community for peace based on international law and the UN Charter.

Switzerland’s Role and Future Steps

• This was the first time Switzerland hosted a summit of such magnitude, showcasing its global diplomatic network.
• President Amherd and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), praised the cooperation with participating states and thanked international partners for ensuring the smooth running of the event.
• Swiss authorities, including the Canton of Nidwalden, played a significant role in organizing the summit, with security ensured by the police and armed forces.

Conclusion

India’s decision to refrain from associating with the joint communique at the Peace Summit on Ukraine highlights its dedication to promoting dialogue and diplomacy as the primary means to resolve the conflict. By engaging with all stakeholders and understanding different perspectives, India aims to contribute to a sustainable and peaceful resolution. This approach aligns with India’s broader foreign policy principles, emphasizing human-centric solutions and the avoidance of escalation and violence. As global efforts continue to find a lasting peace in Ukraine, India’s stance underscores the importance of inclusive and balanced resolutions that consider the interests of all parties involved.

Sources:

TheHindu

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Bürgenstock summit is associated with which of the following? A. Russia –Ukraine war B. Israel – Palestine conflict C. Armenia-Ajarbaijan conflict D. South Korea- North Korea Answer A