WATCH: EAM Jaishankar, Swiss foreign minister meet in New Delhi, exchange perspectives on Ukraine conflict

Switzerland Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis met India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi on Monday. Both the leaders discussed further strengthening of bilateral ties and exchanged perspectives on regional and international issues, including the conflict in Ukraine.

#WATCH | Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis meets EAM Dr S Jaishankar at Hyderabad House in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/sTNE6P9gRE

— ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2024

“Discussed further strengthening of our bilateral ties after celebrations of the 75th year of the India-Switzerland friendship treaty last year. Exchanged perspectives on regional and international issues, including the conflict in Ukraine,” EAM Jaishankar said in a post on X.

The External Affairs Minister also thanked his Swiss counterpart for the “Mission to the Sun” Swatch gift. “Through Aditya L1 Mission, India is living up to it,” Jaishankar added.

Pleased to welcome Foreign Minister @ignaziocassis of Switzerland this afternoon.

Discussed further strengthening of our bilateral ties after celebrations of the 75th year of the India-Switzerland friendship treaty last year.

Exchanged perspectives on regional and… pic.twitter.com/hwlLCJ9UlZ

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 5, 2024

Taking to X, Cassis said he held “productive talks” with Jaishankar and explored economic ties and geopolitical challenges, focusing on the situation in Ukraine and the possible paths to peace.

Productive talks with Indian FM @DrSJaishankar in New Delhi

Explored economic ties and geopolitical challenges, focusing on the situation in #Ukraine and the possible paths to peace.

A shared commitment to strengthening multilateralism pic.twitter.com/nZPnqLQ3YD

— Ignazio Cassis (@ignaziocassis) February 5, 2024

Cassis began a four-day visit, from 5 to 8 February, to the Asia-Pacific region with India. He would also be travelling to China, South Korea and the Philippines.

According to Switzerland’s Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Cassis’ visit aims to strengthen ties with these countries and to discuss peace initiatives in Ukraine.

As per FDFA, In India, Cassis would also be discussing economic relations and bilateral cooperation in the fields of education, research and innovation.

In January, Swiss President Viola Amherd announced Switzerland’s plans to support the reconstruction of Ukraine by organising a future peace conference and by helping to de-mine the country.

Amherd asserts that the initiative will be successful if a wide range of countries including India, South Africa, Brazil and Saudi Arabia take part. China, which has maintained links with Russia, is also seen as a key ally.

With inputs from agencies

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