Ukraine Conflict: Jaishankar, Finnish Counterpart Discuss Peace and Trade

During a recent phone call, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen addressed the Ukraine conflict and its broader implications. Jaishankar stated India’s position of advocating for dialogue and diplomacy, and that India should not be unfairly criticized. The Finnish Foreign Minister also expressed her interest in expanding trade relations involving Finland, the EU, and India. She emphasized the necessity of pressuring Russia to engage in serious negotiations. In addition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding humanitarian issues and expressed India’s backing for peace and stability. The discussions unfolded after an emergency meeting at the United Nations Security Council following a Russian attack on Ukraine, leading to civilian deaths and damage near the EU Delegation in Kyiv. Between August 27 and 28 alone, numerous drones and missiles were launched, resulting in the deaths of many people.