'Grateful To India': Zelenskyy Meets Jaishankar, Backs New Delhi's Peace Push

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked India for its willingness to help end the Russia-Ukraine war after meeting External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Kyiv on Thursday. Calling peace India's “clear position”, Zelenskyy said Kyiv appreciated New Delhi's desire to help bring an end to what he described as Russia's unjust war.

After meeting Jaishankar, Zelenskyy said the two leaders discussed “important issues” and reiterated Ukraine's need for a reliable and lasting peace. “We are grateful to India for its desire to end this unjust war.

Peace is needed. This is India's clear position,” Zelenskyy said. Провів зустріч із міністром закордонних справ Індії Субраманьямом Джайшанкаром. Важливі питання обговорили. Ми вдячні Індії за бажання закінчити цю несправедливу війну – війну Росії проти України.

Цей час точно не має бути часом війни. Потрібен мир. Це чітка позиція Індії.… pic.twitter.com/HLW3jxugcF He said Russia launched another attack using jet-powered Shahed drones while the Indian minister was in Kyiv.

According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine's combat aviation intercepted most of the drones, ensuring the safety of the visiting Indian delegation. The Ukrainian president also expressed hope that other influential countries would take a clearer stand in favour of ending the war and supporting a lasting peace.

Zelenskyy said discussions also centred on the Black Sea, particularly the growing threat to civilian shipping and global food supplies. He said it was “absolutely unacceptable” to block food shipments to regions that depend heavily on maritime trade routes.

Accusing Russia of targeting Ukrainian ports and disrupting the grain corridor, Zelenskyy said such actions were creating wider instability in global trade and food security. He stressed that countries must work together to ensure the security of commercial shipping in the Black Sea.

Earlier, Jaishankar said India was willing to contribute to efforts aimed at ending the conflict if its role could help. “If India can be of any help, in any manner, we are there,” the External Affairs Minister said while addressing reporters alongside Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

During talks with Sybiha, the two sides also discussed bilateral ties, regional developments and recent attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea. Jaishankar is on a visit to Ukraine and Poland from September 3 to 5, with Kyiv marking the first leg of the diplomatic tour.

Vinita Bhat is a Chief Copy Editor at ABP Live English, with experience in TV and digital journalism. She covers geopolitics, international conflicts, global current affairs and Kashmir. For tips and queries, write to vinitab@abpnetwork.com.