Our position consistent, dialogue and diplomacy way forward: India on Russia-Ukraine conflict

On a query regarding F-35 jets, the MEA spokesperson said:

In the backdrop of the US-Russia talks held in Riyadh, India said on Friday that its position on the Ukraine-Russia conflict remains "consistent," emphasizing that dialogue and diplomacy are the way forward.

Top officials from Washington and Moscow met in the Saudi capital recently to discuss ways to bring an end to the prolonged conflict that began in February 2022.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal was asked at his weekly briefing about India’s position on the conflict amid changing global political dynamics.

"Our position on this particular issue is very clear. We have maintained consistently that we want both parties involved to resort to dialogue and diplomacy and take this process forward," Jaiswal said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a press conference in Washington recently, reiterated that this is not an era of war and that no conflict can be resolved on the battlefield, the MEA spokesperson added.

"So, our position has been consistent that dialogue and diplomacy are the way forward," Jaiswal said when asked if India has re-calibrated its stance.

After his wide-ranging talks with US President Donald Trump in Washington, Modi had said that India is not neutral on the war but firmly on the side of peace. He also welcomed Trump’s efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

During the briefing, Jaiswal was also asked about recent reports alleging the sexual assault of a minor by a Kenyan student in India.

"We have requested the Kenyan government to waive diplomatic immunity of the person concerned so that the investigation can proceed. We are pursuing this matter with the Kenyan government," he said.

Regarding the delayed delivery of the GE F404 engine, Jaiswal confirmed that the issue was raised during PM Modi’s visit to the US.

"The delayed delivery of GE engines was taken up during the Prime Minister’s visit. We remain engaged with the US side on all aspects relating to contracted defense articles, including their timely delivery. The two sides have also agreed to conclude a new 10-year framework for the US-India major defense partnership in the 21st century. This was also reflected in the joint statement. So yes, to answer your question, this particular issue was discussed during the Prime Minister’s visit."

On a query regarding F-35 jets, the MEA spokesperson said:

"The India-US joint statement mentions that the US side is reviewing its policy on releasing fifth-generation fighters to India. President Trump also made a reference to F-35 aircraft during the press conference. No formal acquisition process for a fifth-generation fighter has been initiated at our end yet."