“India has maintained a very clear and consistent position that diplomacy and dialogue can resolve this conflict which can lead to enduring peace. Dialogue is absolutely essential. Lasting peace can only be achieved through options that are acceptable to both parties and it can only be a negotiated settlement,” Lal said.

“India is willing to provide all possible support and contribution required to help find peaceful solutions to this complex issue,” he went on to say.

Prime Minister Modi is embarking on a three-day visit to Poland and Ukraine this week. He will become the first Prime Minister to visit Poland in 45 years and the first to visit Ukraine in over 30 years.

During the course of Modi’s visit to Poland, the Prime Minister will meet with Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Andrzej Duda. Modi will also meet with other Polish politicians, Indologists and members of the Indian community. Poland is India’s largest trade partner in Central and Eastern Europe and economic talks – including on defence – are expected to be a key focus of Modi’s visit.

In Ukraine, talks are expected to focus on infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, defence and people to people ties among other issues. India has provided financial assistance for reconstruction of Ukraine and more such initiatives are being discussed. The Ukraine war will feature in bilateral talks, Lal confirmed.

Significantly, India rejected the notion that Modi’s visit to Ukraine was intended to balance an earlier visit to Russia in July. The visit attracted much unfavourable comment in the West as it coincided with the NATO Summit in Washington.