US asked India to mediate on Russia-Ukraine war?

Days after Russia's foreign minister visited India and said that if Delhi acts as a mediator in the Ukraine conflict, no one will oppose it, India's foreign minister spoke on the issue in the US.

S. Jaishankar was in Washington, DC for the 2+2 Dialogue when he was asked if America has sought India's help as a mediator. He said, "No, there was no specific message or communication suggested to us. That's not how it works. I think what you are having at this point of time is a set of countries who have relations with all parties concerned."

Jaishankar added, "Ukraine situation is something that worries everyone. It also has consequences for most people. So, there's a natural interest in the international community to see what we can do to help ease the situation, and hopefully sort out the situation."

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"Our discussions with Americans were more about what is it we can all do to encourage an early cessation of hostilities. That's where the focus should be. We do think a large part of the international community and some other countries have taken an active interest, and think along similar lines," said Jaishankar.