India emphasized it was time for dialogue and diplomacy, reiterating its stance on the war in Ukraine, as finance officials from the Group of 20 countries met near the southern city of Bengaluru.

At a news conference, India's information minister insisted the current era is not for war, but for democracy, diplomacy and dialogue to move forward. While, the meeting in the Nandi Hills summer retreat, is the first major event of India's G20 presidency and the Ukraine conflict is likely to feature prominently during the proceedings. India has kept a neutral stance on the war, declining to blame Russia for the invasion, seeking a diplomatic solution.