NEW DELHI, INDIA (MAY 13, 2025) (INDIAN FOREIGN AFFAIRS - RESTRICTED) RESTRICTION: USERS MUST CREDIT “INDIAN FOREIGN AFFAIRS” HANDOUT, MUST NOT OBSCURE LOGO —EDITORIAL USE ONLY — SHOTLIST: 1. (SOUNDBITE) (English) INDIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN, RANDHIR JAISWAL SAYING: "We welcome the direct talks that have been announced between Russia and Ukraine. Talks present an opportunity for both parties to address their concerns through dialogue and diplomacy. India has consistently advocated the need for sincere and practical engagement between Russia and Ukraine to ensure early and avoiding peace. With that, ladies and gentlemen, we come to the close of this press briefing. Thank you very much." NEW DELHI, INDIA - MAY 13 - RESTRICTION: USERS MUST CREDIT “INDIAN FOREIGN AFFAIRS” HANDOUT, MUST NOT OBSCURE LOGO —EDITORIAL USE ONLY — India welcomed the planned talks between Russia and Ukraine set to take place in Istanbul, on Tuesday, May 13, calling it a positive step toward addressing mutual concerns through dialogue and diplomacy. Speaking at a press briefing, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said: "We welcome the direct talks that have been announced between Russia and Ukraine. Talks present an opportunity for both parties to address their concerns through dialogue and diplomacy." Jaiswal reiterated India’s support for a "sincere and practical" dialogue, expressing hope that the engagement would contribute to achieving an early and avoiding peace between the two countries. The diplomatic push is the latest to end the war that began in early 2022. The direct talks with Ukraine were proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday and have received support from Türkiye and the US, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirming his attendance. Writing by Mustafa Tuncer