India and Finland Discuss Ukraine Crisis and Bilateral Relations

A teleconference between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen centered on the ramifications of the Ukraine conflict. Jaishankar stated that India maintains its stance on promoting dialogue and diplomacy, and that India should not face undue criticism regarding the situation. The Finnish Foreign Minister also expressed interest in enhancing trade ties between Finland, the European Union, and India. Additionally, she underscored the importance of applying further pressure on Russia to facilitate meaningful negotiations. Concurrently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, focusing on humanitarian concerns and offering India’s support for peace efforts. The discussions follow a UN Security Council emergency meeting convened after a recent Russian attack on Ukraine, resulting in numerous casualties, including fatalities near the EU Delegation in Kyiv. The Ukrainian government reported a high number of attacks involving drones and missiles, resulting in numerous fatalities, including children.