Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Volodymyr Zelensky

Zelenskyy sees key role for India in peace talks with Russia to end war

October 28, 2024

By Ukraine

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has identified India as a potential key mediator in ending the war with Russia, according to an interview with The Times of India published on 28 October.

India adopted a neutral position regarding the war in Ukraine, neither openly supporting Russian aggression nor condemning it, with Modi meeting both Zelenskyy and Putin. Officially, New Delhi calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and advocates for a diplomatic resolution to the war. This neutrality is underscored by India’s refusal to join Western sanctions against Russia, which it views as a threat to its strategic autonomy. Indian officials also emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations involved, including Ukraine.

“Modi can influence the end of the Ukraine war. This is the huge value of him in any conflict, this is the huge value of India,” Zelenskyy told The Times of India.

Zelenskyy highlighted Modi’s significant global influence, citing India’s economic power and large population as factors that could help bring Moscow to the negotiating table.

Kyiv sees India’s neutral stance and strong relations with Russia as an opportunity to influence negotiations. Ukraine is also emphasizing the importance of shared values, like respect for sovereignty, to build diplomatic momentum with India, aiming to align it with Ukraine’s peace efforts.

Zelenskyy emphasized, however, that Ukraine is open to proposals for the second Peace Summit from other countries too.

“There are proposals from many countries, and we’re ready to hear them. These are proposals from India, the European Union, the African continent, Brazil, China – please. But only based on our format, because the war is in our country. I believe such a summit could be held in India,” Zelenskyy said.

Russia refused an invitation to attend the second Ukraine’s peace summit, signaling its continued resistance to diplomatic resolutions aligned with Ukraine’s conditions.

Beyond diplomatic mediation, Zelenskyy suggested India could exert pressure on Russia through economic measures, including restrictions on energy resources and the defense-industrial complex.

This follows Modi’s visit to Kyiv in August, where he pledged to act as “a friend” to Ukraine and assist in reaching a peace agreement.

In September, Zelenskyy also met Indian Prime Minister in New York to discuss deepening bilateral relations and garner India’s support for Ukraine’s peace efforts.

In October, Modi participated in the recent BRICS summit, held in Kazan, Russia, reiterating India’s call for peace and stability in Ukraine without directly criticizing Russia.

Earlier, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen urged India to support Ukraine’s peace plan, which aligns with the UN Charter and demands Russia’s withdrawal. While India has remained neutral, maintaining dialogue with both Russia and Ukraine, Finland hopes India will use its influence to press Russia for peace and enforce sanctions.

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