India’s role as a peacemaker in the Russia-Ukraine war has gained prominence in recent days, with the nation positioning itself as a key mediator in the ongoing conflict. India boasts a unique advantage – maintaining open lines of communication with both sides, making it a potential bridge between the warring nations.
At the heart of India’s diplomatic efforts is Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has engaged in constant communication with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, advocating for a peaceful resolution.
Modi’s unwavering commitment to diplomacy was evident in September 2022 when he publicly told Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Uzbekistan, “This is not an era of war.” He stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy and expressed India’s willingness to understand both perspectives to find a path towards peace.
In his historic visit to Ukraine last month, Modi emphasized the need for direct engagement between the two sides. He reassured Zelenskyy that India has never been neutral in the conflict and has always supported peace. Modi reiterated India’s willingness to help both sides “as a friend” in resolving the conflict. India’s Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar, further underscored this commitment in a press conference in Kyiv, stating India’s “willingness to contribute in all ways possible” for a peaceful resolution.
Earlier this year, in a July meeting with Putin, Modi underscored the importance of dialogue to end the conflict, stating that the solution couldn’t be found on the battlefield. This stance aligns with India’s consistent position since 2022, advocating for a negotiated solution rather than continued fighting. Modi echoed this sentiment before his visit to Ukraine, emphasizing, “This is India’s firm belief that no problem can be solved on the battlefield.” He highlighted the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace and stability, affirming India’s willingness to provide support alongside its allies.
Putin himself has acknowledged India’s potential role as a peacemaker. During the Eastern Economic Forum in Russia’s Vladivostok, Putin recognized India as one of the countries that could play a sincere mediating role. He reiterated Russia’s openness to peace talks, referencing the discussions held in the early days of the invasion in 2022.
The Kremlin has also publicly supported India’s potential role in mediation. Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov highlighted the “highly constructive, even friendly relations” between Modi and Putin, stating that Modi is well-positioned to “lead the line on getting first-hand information from the participants in this conflict.”
These diplomatic efforts have been further bolstered by the recent visit of India’s National Security Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval, to Russia. Doval met with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Shoigu, a close confidant of Putin, on the sidelines of the BRICS bloc’s NSA meeting. Reports suggest that the talks between Modi and Zelenskyy last month were a central topic of discussion. Furthermore, NDTV sources claim that Doval presented a peace proposal outlined by Modi to top Russian officials, including Putin.
Following Modi’s return from Kyiv last month, he held a phone conversation with Putin, leading to Doval’s trip to Russia for peace talks.
India’s willingness to offer its expertise in mediating the conflict has been made clear by Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar. While emphasizing the need for both Ukraine and Russia to initiate negotiations, Jaishankar stated, “We don’t think this conflict is going to be resolved on the battlefield. At some stage, there’s going to be some negotiation. If you want advice, we are always willing to give it.”
Jaishankar further underscored the importance of Russia’s participation in any peace talks, as “the discussions don’t gain further movement” without their involvement. He highlighted India’s consistent engagement with both sides, emphasizing, “As far as India is concerned, it’s up to what the two parties want. We continuously talk to them.”
India’s active pursuit of a diplomatic resolution to the conflict reflects its commitment to peace and its unique position as a potential bridge between Russia and Ukraine. The recent developments, including Modi’s diplomatic outreach, Putin’s recognition of India’s role, and Doval’s visit to Russia, suggest that India is playing a significant role in efforts to bring the conflict to an end.
