Amidst the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed hosting a peace summit in India. This proposal was put forward to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Ukraine last week, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Zelenskyy’s vision is to convene a second gathering of world leaders, building on the momentum from a similar summit held in June. The June meeting aimed to secure support from nations in the Global South for Ukraine’s position in the conflict. A successful summit in India would be a significant step forward for Kyiv, as India has been cautious about supporting Ukraine’s initiative due to its close ties with Russia.
During his visit on August 23, Prime Minister Modi expressed support for Ukraine’s sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders but has yet to confirm whether India will host the proposed meeting.
The diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict have taken on new urgency as both sides engage in active military operations. Russian forces have taken control of what they describe as the strategically important logistics hub of Niu-York in eastern Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces launched a surprise offensive on August 6, pushing into Russia’s western border in the Kursk region.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that India advocates for constructive and practical engagement with all stakeholders to achieve a negotiated settlement to the conflict. While India has expressed its willingness to play a constructive role in the interest of peace, the decision on when and how to begin peace talks remains the prerogative of Russia and Ukraine.
Russia, for its part, has announced the formation of new military groupings in Kursk and other border regions to counter the Ukrainian incursion. This response highlights the delayed nature of Moscow’s response to the Ukrainian offensive.
Zelenskyy has expressed confidence that India can play a crucial role in bringing peace to the region. Ukraine has indicated openness to including Russia in the peace process, but the Kremlin has repeatedly made clear its unwillingness to engage with Kyiv’s plans.
With both sides on the offensive and a diplomatic resolution seemingly distant, the proposed peace summit in India presents a potential avenue for progress in the conflict. However, the success of such a summit hinges on the willingness of all parties involved to engage in meaningful dialogue and compromise.
