New Delhi - India has received an invitation to participate in a meeting organized by Saudi Arabia, with the primary goal of finding a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
According to Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India's presence at the meeting scheduled for August 6th in Jeddah underscores their commitment to pursuing diplomatic channels and discussions as the preferred means to bring an end to the conflict. Bagchi mentioned, "In line with our diplomatic principles, India has been extended an invitation to partake in a meeting hosted by Saudi Arabia. This event aligns with our belief that dialogue and negotiations offer the most viable path towards conflict resolution." However, the specific Indian representative for the meeting has yet to be confirmed.
The anticipated attendees at this meeting encompass various nations, including Ukraine, Brazil, South Africa, and others. Notably, a senior representative from the United States is also expected to be present. It is notable that Russia is not included in the list of participants, and the meeting's management falls under the oversight of Kyiv.
The discussions during the meeting will encompass Ukraine's ten-point peace plan, which encompasses objectives such as holding accountable those responsible for war-related atrocities, the withdrawal of Russian military forces from Ukrainian territory, and the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity.
Saudi Arabia's role as the host of these talks follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's participation in an Arab League summit in Jeddah back in May. During the summit, Zelenskyy urged the member nations to extend their support to Kyiv. Notably, most Arab nations have maintained a neutral stance since the conflict's initiation in February 2022. This neutrality can be attributed, in part, to their significant military and economic connections with Moscow.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Saudi Arabia's close association with Russia through the OPEC+ alliance presents an additional layer of intricacy in the broader geopolitical landscape.