Ukraine sees India as a key partner capable of playing a decisive role in reaching a peace agreement with Russia. According to Kyiv’s assessment, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi can become the mediator who will help settle the protracted conflict, writes Political.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyi’s recent meeting with Modi in New York strengthened diplomatic relations between the two countries. During the negotiations, possible ways to reach a peace agreement that would take into account the interests of both sides were discussed. An anonymous Ukrainian source noted that India is becoming one of Kyiv’s main hopes for establishing a stable and just peace, without the need to cede territories to Russia.
“Amid blossoming diplomatic relations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi met with Modi on Monday evening in New York, during which the two leaders and their entourage discussed ways to reach a peace agreement.”, the publication notes.
Over the past few months, the attitude of the Ukrainian leadership towards India’s role in the conflict has changed significantly. If Modi’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the summer caused outrage in Kyiv, now India is seen as a potential mediator in the settlement. Modi stressed that peace talks should not include territorial concessions, although some compromises are possible.
“In Kyiv’s eyes, Modi has come a long way in a short time. When Modi visited Moscow in July and warmly embraced Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kyiv’s reaction was scathing. Zelenskyi called this hug the same day when dozens of Ukrainians were killed as a result of a Russian missile strike, — “a huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts”, — writes Politico.
Despite India’s neutral position in condemning the Russian invasion, New Delhi has consistently advocated for the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and an early end to the war.
“Six weeks after his visit to Moscow, which caused outrage among Ukrainians, Modi arrived in Kyiv to meet with Zelenskyi, promising to be a “friend” and facilitate the conclusion of a peace agreement”, the publication notes.
India today is seen as one of the few global powers that retains sufficient neutrality and influence to act as a mediator between Kyiv and Moscow. Unlike countries such as Switzerland or Austria, which have supported the EU’s sanctions policy, India remains neutral, making it unique among possible mediators.
