Parvathaneni Harish (ANI image)
NEW DELHI: India’s permanent representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish on Friday emphasised the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine while addressing a live session at the UN General Assembly (UNGA).Speaking on the situation in Ukraine’s temporarily occupied territories, Harish said India remained concerned over the loss of innocent lives and stressed that “no solution can be found on the battlefield.” He highlighted that India has consistently advocated a people-centric approach, providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine while supporting economic stability for countries in the Global South affected by the conflict.Harish welcomed recent diplomatic efforts, noting the Alaska Summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as subsequent engagements by the US President with Ukrainian and European leaders in Washington DC.“Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains in touch with President Putin, President Zelensky and European leadership on the evolving situation. We believe all these diplomatic efforts hold the promise of bringing to an end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and opening up prospects for a lasting peace,” he said. India’s envoy also called attention to the global consequences of the conflict, including rising fuel prices, and stressed the need to address the concerns of nations left to deal with the economic fallout. Concluding his address, Harish said, “An early end to the conflict in Ukraine is in the interest of everyone. As Prime Minister Modi has said, ‘This is not an era of war.’ India stands ready to support diplomatic efforts for an early end to the conflict.”The UNGA has launched a debate on the situation in Ukraine’s temporarily occupied territories, as part of its annual review of Russia’s war and its implications for international security. A live session is currently underway, with discussions scheduled throughout the day.Over 40 speakers are expected to address the Assembly, including Ukraine’s deputy foreign minister Maryana Betsa, the Ukrainian news website Freedom reported. The debate is part of the preparations for the 80th UNGA session, which will officially commence on September 9.According to the GA-80th session general debate provisional list of speakers, PM Modi is listed among the speakers and is expected to address the General Assembly on September 26, suggesting a possible visit to the United States later this month.
