Jeddah Conference on the Russia-Ukraine War

Why in the News?

The Jeddah conference on the Ukraine war was held in Saudi Arabia recently to formulate a peace plan in the crisis-ridden region.

Jeddah conference:

1. It was attended by more than 42 countries excluding Russia, which was not invited for the conference.
2. The main aim of the conference was to build a consensus among major powers especially Global South to work on a fair and durable peace plan.
3. China which stayed away from the Copenhagen conference, a precursor to the Jeddah talks, participated in the Jeddah conference.
4. India, South Africa and China – all three countries which maintains good relationship with Russia despite the ongoing war, participated in the conference.
5. India’s presence was upgraded from its Secretary in Copenhagen to its National security Advisor Ajit Doval in the Jeddah conference.
6. The talks’ part of the plan was to
   1. Maintain Ukraine's integrity
   2. Cease fire on all fronts
   3. Launch peace talks under UN supervision
   4. Exchange prisoners.

Outcomes of the Jeddah Talks:

1. China claimed that the “Sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries” must be effectively upheld and also backed the security concerns of Russia. It called for a ‘political settlement’ for the ongoing issue.
2. China’s presence in the Jeddah talks signals possible shifts in Beijing's approach though it has not condemned Russia for the invasion of war.
3. The 10-point peace formula of Zelenskiy received more support than in Copenhagen.

What can be done?

1. Political settlement of the current crisis situation
   1. There has been no military solution since the war began, with Russia is struggling to cope with the war effects (sanctions) and still far from meeting its war objectives while Ukraine has not achieved any major breakthrough in spite of the western aid in arms and ammunition.
   2. The Maximalist positions of the two countries has led to a stalemate in proceeding with direct talks.

• Russia demands recognition of the annexed Ukrainian territories including those areas not occupied by its military forces
• Ukraine demands complete withdrawal of Russia from all the occupied territories

2. The international community especially the Ukraine’s western supporters, neutral developing powers and Russia’s close partners can help in building consensus between the two countries by agreeing on a common forum for talks.

What has been India’s position in the Ukraine-Russia War?

1. India has not condemned the actions of Russia’s attack on Ukraine even after pressure from the western countries for the passage of UN Resolution.
2. The Indian Prime Minister issued a statement that “This is not an era of war”
3. Convinced the Western nations that India cannot be pushed to condemn Russia for the War in Ukraine especially through State visits to Denmark, Norway and Sweden and second India-Nordic summit at Copenhagen.
4. India has been continuously engaging in discussions with the warring sides, Ukraine’s Jeddah peace plan participation along with increasing trade relations with Russia.
5. India is also drawing like-minded countries for fostering dialogue and diplomacy to sort out the Ukraine crisis.

Link: Chasing consensus: The Hindu Editorial on Jeddah conference and ending the Ukraine-Russia conflict - The Hindu

Patience is key: India's mantra to sort out Ukraine war- The New Indian Express