Ukraine is looking to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a potential mediator to help end the war with Russia, reports Politico.
India has maintained a balanced approach to the Russia-Ukraine war. While New Delhi has consistently refrained from condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it has also spoken in support of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity. Modi visited Moscow and Ukraine in August this year.
According to the article, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Modi in New York on 23 September to discuss pathways to a peace deal.
A high-ranking Ukrainian official, speaking anonymously, confirmed to Politico that “India was Kyiv’s big hope to reach a peace pact it can live with.” The official stated that in summer discussions, Modi made it clear that while Ukraine may need to compromise on some issues, any peace proposals should not include ceding territory to Russia.
This marks a significant shift in Ukraine’s perception of India’s role. Politico notes that when Modi visited Moscow in July and embraced Russian President Vladimir Putin, Zelenskyy called it “a huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts.” However, Ukraine has since come to view India as an ideal intermediary in dealings with the Kremlin.
The article suggests that India’s position as a non-aligned power makes it uniquely suited for this role.
“India may be the only global power player that can play the role — or at least the only one able to credibly portray itself as a neutral party to both Moscow and Kyiv,” Politico reports.
Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has confirmed India’s engagement in finding a way to end the war. During a visit to Germany, he stated, “We are concerned and engaged,” and mentioned that “suggestions have been made” for India to host its own peace summit.
Ukraine remains firm on certain conditions for peace. Zelenskyy has rejected any proposals that include Ukraine giving up land.
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