Lithuania Backs India’s Proactive Push for Ukraine Peace
Lithuania's Ambassador to India praises New Delhi's proactive role and Black Sea initiative to help end the Russia-Ukraine war.
Lithuania has expressed strong support for India Ukraine peace efforts, praising New Delhi's proactive diplomatic stance in attempting to resolve the ongoing conflict. Diana Mickevičienė, the Ambassador of Lithuania to India, highlighted India's unique capacity to influence the outcome of the war due to its deep-rooted bilateral relationship with Russia.
Support for the Black Sea Initiative
In a recent interview with ANI, Ambassador Mickevičienė specifically pointed to a new initiative from India focusing on the Black Sea. She noted that the Black Sea serves as a vital hub for regional interests and various transit routes, making it a critical point of focus for stability.
The envoy stated that Lithuania welcomes India's active engagement, noting, “India has come up with an initiative very recently, which we are, of course, very supportive of. We are happy that India has taken an active stance on this.”
India's Unique Leverage with Moscow
The Lithuanian Ambassador emphasized that India occupies a rare position as a trusted partner to both Europe and Russia. This duality, she suggested, allows New Delhi to play a constructive role in urging Moscow to cease its aggression.
Mickevičienė described India as a friendly partner that could potentially influence Russia to reason and stop the occupation of territories that do not belong to it.
The Warning Against a 'False Peace'
While supportive of diplomatic efforts, Lithuania cautioned against a superficial resolution to the conflict. The Ambassador warned against the danger of a “false peace,” where hostilities might cease without the underlying issues being resolved.
According to the envoy, such a scenario could be dangerous as it might allow Russia to regroup its forces and resume its aggression at a later date. Instead, Lithuania advocates for a just and lasting peace that adheres to the United Nations Charter and respects the territorial integrity of Ukraine.
European Security and the Baltic Perspective
The conflict has fundamentally altered security perceptions across Europe, particularly for Baltic and Eastern European nations. Ambassador Mickevičienė asserted that Ukraine's successful defense is directly linked to the security of the Baltic states.
She remarked that Ukraine's ability to hold its ground serves as a guarantee that the aggressor will not extend its reach toward Lithuania and its neighbors.
Strengthening Indo-Lithuanian Ties
Looking ahead, Lithuania intends to deepen its partnership with India, especially as it prepares for its presidency of the EU Council from January to June 2027. The Ambassador identified several key areas for expanded cooperation, including:
- Security and Defence: Enhancing strategic collaborations.
- European Competitiveness: Working together on economic growth.
- Science and Technology: Fostering innovation and research.
The envoy concluded that India is an increasingly important partner for Europe, playing a pivotal role in bridging the partnership between the European Union and the Indo-Pacific region.