Brics calls for mediation to end Ukraine conflict

NEW DELHI: India joined other Brics countries in expressing appreciation in a joint statement for “relevant proposals” of mediation and good offices aimed at peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
They also called for full and effective implementation of both the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the Memorandum of Understanding between the UN and Russia on promoting Russian food products and fertilisers to the world markets. They stressed the importance of allowing grains and fertilisers to continue to reach those most in need, according to the joint statement issued after the meeting of Brics foreign ministers.
“Any mediation effort that works in that direction would be welcome,” MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said when asked about the joint statement supporting mediation proposals.
Asked if India also endorsed China’s peace plan, Bagchi said, “I would not be sure whether to characterise the peace plan as a mediation effort or not.”
India, which has always opposed unilateral sanctions, and other member-states also recognised the impact on the world economy of unilateral approaches in breach of international law and noted that the situation was complicated further by “unilateral economic coercive measures, such as sanctions, boycotts, embargoes and blockades”.
Not for the first time, China joined India and others in rejecting double standards in countering terrorism and extremism, and also cross-border movement of terrorists.
“The ministers expressed strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed. They recognised the threat emanating from terrorism, extremism conducive to terrorism and radicalisation. They are committed to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, and terrorism financing networks and safe havens,” the joint statement said.