"It is important that India supported the initiative of the Russian president on direct negotiations, which began in Istanbul, aligning with its consistent stance on the conflict," the ambassador said in a conversation with Russian journalists.
As the head of the Russian diplomatic mission recalled, India has regularly called for "an early cessation of hostilities and the start of political dialogue, while emphasizing the need to take into account the legitimate interests and concerns of all parties."
"Thus, they make it clear that a long-term settlement must address the root causes of the conflict," the ambassador noted.
"We welcome, respect, and are grateful to India for the balanced position it has taken from the very beginning. It is equidistant, neutral, yet reflects a deep understanding that the conflict has very serious underlying reasons," Alipov added.
Alipov also stated that the potential involvement of India in resolving the situation in Ukraine as a mediator or a platform for negotiations is not currently under discussion.
According to him, "this is not being discussed at the moment, although India has repeatedly expressed its readiness to provide such support if the conflicting parties approach it with a corresponding request."