India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, is set to attend a high-profile BRICS meeting in Moscow on September 10-11, 2024. This conclave of national security advisors from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa takes place amidst intensifying global pressure for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Doval’s visit, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent diplomatic engagements in both Moscow and Kyiv, highlights India’s potential role in mediating peace and fostering dialogue in the region.
The meeting’s primary objective is to discuss strategies for achieving peace in the Ukraine conflict, with increased calls for dialogue echoing across the international stage. Doval’s participation follows Modi’s visits to Moscow and Kyiv in July and August, which sparked discussions about India’s potential role in resolving the conflict. Notably, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recently stated that India could play a key role in mediating the conflict after her meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Beyond this meeting, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to attend the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, in October. This summit will bring together leaders from all BRICS nations for further discussions. During his visit, Doval is expected to meet with his Russian counterpart to explore ways to advance peace efforts. India is awaiting signals from both Russia and Ukraine regarding its potential involvement in mediation.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed a desire for India to actively support Ukraine rather than merely balancing relations with both Moscow and Kyiv. He has called for India to play a more decisive role in the conflict.
Recent statements from international leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, suggest that India and China could play crucial roles in finding a resolution to the conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin has also mentioned India, Brazil, and China as potential intermediaries in the peace process.
India has consistently advocated for resolving the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to peace was evident during his visit to Ukraine, where he emphasized India’s readiness to support peaceful resolution efforts. The BRICS meeting in Moscow presents a significant opportunity for India to contribute to international efforts towards ending the conflict and promoting stability in the region.
