In a crucial diplomatic move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated a commitment to assist in the restoration of peace during his telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Modi affirmed that India was ready to participate in any endeavors that would favor dialogue and settlement. This discussion was held in times of tension and expresses India’s neutral stance focusing on all peacekeeping efforts around the world.
Modi’s call for diplomacy
Modi reiterated India’s centuries-old stance that a solution to the Ukraine crisis can only be found through diplomacy and dialogue. In Modi’s view, peace talks amidst bombs and guns would be flawed and genuine negotiations would prevail only in the presence of a ceasefire. India was ready to reach out diplomatically to restore peace and stability in the region. Hostilities would only lead to death and destruction of infrastructure, he reiterated, insisting that a peaceful solution will be in the best interest of all parties involved.
This phone call builds upon India’s earlier work done towards maintaining a balanced relationship with both Russia and Ukraine and constantly work towards peace under the several parapets of the war. Since the war started in February 2022, India has never stopped its call for a ceasefire and returning to the diplomatic bargaining table.
India’s Balancing Act
India has favoured silence since the commencement of the conflict as it plates on with firm economic and military ties with Russia, calling for peace. Again, it underlined India’s doctrine of non-alignment with this pronouncement by Modi: while favoring peace, it will not pinpoint its finger at Russia for what has transpired. India is holding its policy to converse with both sides, having eye on keeping strategic relations with Moscow-largely due to its faith on overwhelming Russian energy and arms provision.
Modi delivers similar points in times past, aiming each side for restraint, more so during the G20 summit where he declared that “this is not an era of war.” India’s middling approach has permitted it a singular profit in international discourse on the conflict, creating space for it as a potential mediator, should peace negotiations resume.
Economic and Humanitarian Concerns
Modi also used the conversation to highlight the broader world impact of the war, particularly relating to food and energy insecurity. Ongoing work in Choudhary’s country destroys global supply chains, raising fuel prices and bringing about food shortages across the globe. India, which imports a significant share of its energy from elsewhere, voiced its concerns early on about the war’s economic fallout.
Moreover humanitarian support in the form of food and medical supplies was extended to Ukraine from India. This humanitarian assistance, combined with the calls for peace, indicates India’s balanced yet active diplomatic stance.
The Road Ahead
In the midst of this ongoing conflict, it is likely that India’s role in peacekeeping may be more pronounced in the months to come. Modi’s offer to contribute in resolving this conflict between two countries may result in back-channel diplomacy whereby India arranges talks between the two disputing nations. Whether the parties involved would be willing to accept any external mediation is a question that remains to be answered, especially with fighting getting fiercer on the grounds of certain regions.
India’s strategic interest manifests itself in ensuring that the consequential tide of this conflict does not alter the order of the global equilibrium further and escalate tension within the geopolitical milieu that is already strung. If this interaction between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Modi reflects India gaining ground toward resuming dialogue, the long road toward peace would have to be trekked with unimpeachable efforts and involvement from all the global stakeholders.
India’s neutral; balanced mode and its preparedness to mediate peace talks have brought India to the forefront of global diplomacy amid the protracted war in Ukraine. PM Modi’s latest overture to Putin merely reiterates India’s commitment to reviving dialogue and reaching a peaceful resolution of one of the most disastrous conflicts in modern history.
