India, along with six other nations, chose not to endorse any communique or document from the recent Ukraine Peace Summit, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The summit, hosted by Switzerland at Burgenstock on June 15-16, 2024, saw Pavan Kapoor, Secretary (West) at the MEA, representing India. Despite attending the Opening and Closing Plenary Sessions, India did not align itself with any statements or documents issued at the event.
India’s involvement in the summit and prior NSA/Political Director-level meetings based on Ukraine’s Peace Formula reflects its commitment to facilitating a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. The MEA emphasized India’s belief in sincere and practical engagement between the conflicting parties as essential for lasting peace. India remains dedicated to engaging with all stakeholders to contribute to efforts for early and enduring peace.
Apart from India, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates also did not sign the final communique, as reported by the Swiss government. Switzerland noted that over 90 countries participated in the talks, with the majority signing the document. Brazil, present as an observer, also refrained from signing.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, addressing the summit’s conclusion, stated that Russia is not ready for a “just peace,” but Kyiv remains open to talks if Moscow withdraws its troops. The final communique, agreed upon by around 80 states, reaffirmed a commitment to Ukraine’s “territorial integrity” and the need for dialogue to end the conflict.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 marked the largest European conflict since World War II, with Russian forces currently controlling nearly a fifth of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea. On June 14, Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded Ukraine withdraw its troops from the south and east for the invasion to end, a demand condemned by French President Emmanuel Macron and rejected by Zelensky.
Zelensky reiterated on June 16 the need for a full Russian withdrawal and respect for Ukraine’s “territorial integrity,” asserting that negotiations could begin immediately if Russia withdraws from Ukrainian territories.
