New Delhi: India abstained from endorsing a joint communique at a peace summit hosted by Switzerland aimed at resolving the Ukraine conflict, stressing the need for sincere engagement between Russia and Ukraine for a lasting solution.

Represented by Pavan Kapoor, Secretary (West) at the Ministry of External Affairs, India participated in the summit held in Burgenstock, attended by leaders and delegates from over 100 nations and organizations. Notably, Russia was excluded from the summit, while China opted not to attend.

In his address, Kapoor affirmed India's commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as the only means to achieve enduring peace. He underscored India's stance that any resolution must be acceptable to both parties involved.

"We continue to believe that such a peace requires bringing together all stakeholders and a sincere and practical engagement between the two parties to the conflict," he said.

"Accordingly, we will continue to engage with all stakeholders as well as the two parties to the conflict to contribute to all earnest efforts to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine," Kapoor said.

The senior diplomat said India's participation in the summit and continued engagement with all stakeholders is aimed at understanding different perspectives, approaches and options to find a way forward for a "sustainable resolution of the conflict."

"In our view, only those options acceptable to both the parties can lead to abiding peace. In line with this approach, we have decided to avoid association with the joint communique or any other document emerging from this summit," he noted.

The key objective of the 'Summit on Peace in Ukraine' that concluded on Sunday was to inspire a future peace process. PTI