India is positioning itself as a global peace negotiator in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, with Prime Minister Modi’s recent visits to both countries and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval’s upcoming talks in Moscow. India’s independent foreign policy, paired with its growing diplomatic clout, allows the country to act as a bridge between the East and West.
India is stepping into a critical diplomatic role in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, aiming to mediate peace. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visits to both Ukraine and Russia, and National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval set to hold talks in Moscow, India’s neutral yet proactive stance is garnering global attention. PM Modi’s actions have reaffirmed India’s dedication to fostering peace while maintaining cordial relationships with major world powers.
India’s position as a peace facilitator has gained momentum after PM Modi’s back-to-back official visits to Ukraine and Russia. During his recent trip to Ukraine, Modi reassured President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that India is committed to restoring peace, drawing from its philosophical roots in non-violence, as taught by Buddha. “We have always taken the side of peace,” Modi emphasized, indicating India’s willingness to play a direct role in conflict resolution.
A significant aspect of this diplomatic effort is Ajit Doval’s upcoming visit to Moscow. Doval will be delivering PM Modi’s peace proposal to Russian President Vladimir Putin and top Kremlin officials. The visit follows Modi’s conversations with both Putin and U.S. President Joe Biden, which focused on creating dialogue pathways for ending the war.
PM Modi had earlier visited Russia, holding extensive talks with President Putin, signaling India’s active engagement in diplomacy. Modi’s call to Putin after his Ukraine visit reiterated India’s firm stance for an early and peaceful resolution of the conflict. Both Russia and Ukraine hailed Modi’s visits as historic, appreciating India’s critical role in global diplomacy. The United States, too, praised Modi’s efforts, with President Biden lauding his message of peace.
Kremlin sources suggest that Russia is willing to engage in peace talks, with Putin emphasizing the need for negotiations based on existing agreements, not temporary demands. This hints at a possible turning point in the war, as India’s mediation could be the key to ending the years-long conflict.
India’s unique foreign policy, which has allowed it to maintain friendly relations with both Russia and the West, positions it as an important player on the global stage. As former UN Security Council chief Kishore Mahbubani noted, few world leaders can navigate both sides of the conflict as comfortably as PM Modi.
With National Security Adviser Ajit Doval’s upcoming visit to Moscow and PM Modi’s continued diplomatic efforts, India is playing a significant role in promoting peace between Russia and Ukraine. As global powers grapple with the war’s ongoing challenges, India’s rising influence as a mediator highlights its evolving status in international diplomacy.
