How calls for India to play peacemaker in Russia-Ukraine war have grown louder, a timeline

Calls for India’s role as a peacemaker in the Russia-Ukraine War has increased in recent days.

India is one of the few nations with an open line of communication with both the sides in the conflict. Throughout the conflict, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one of the few world leaders who have been in constant touch with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Here we detail the recent timeline in which India has taken the centre-stage in efforts to bring the conflict to a resolution.

‘This is not era of war’

In September 2022, Modi told Putin in full view of the world that the war in Ukraine was unacceptable.

On the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Uzbekistan, Modi told Putin in public remarks before their meeting that this was not an era of war.

“I know that today’s era is not of war and I have talked to you many times over the phone on the subject that democracy and diplomacy and dialogue are all these things that touch the world,” said Modi to Putin.

Modi further said, “We will definitely get a chance to discuss how we can move onto the path of peace in the coming days, I will also get an opportunity to understand your point of view.”

‘Two sides need to engage’

In the historic visit to Ukraine last month, Modi told Zelenskyy that two sides need to engage with each-other.

Modi further told Zelenskyy that India had never been neutral in the conflict but had always been on the side of peace.

Modi further said that India was willing to help the two sides “as a friend” for the resolution of the conflict.

Modi also expressed “India’s willingness to contribute in all ways possible” for the conflict’s resolution, said Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar at a press conference in Kyiv.

Modi reiterated India’s stand of “dialogue and diplomacy” to resolve the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, said Jaishankar.

Previously, when Modi met Putin in July, he told him that the solution to the ongoing conflict could not be found on the battlefield. This was in line with India’s position since 2022 that advocates for talks to end the war instead of continued fighting.

Modi said the same ahead of his visit to Ukraine. In Poland, his first stop in the visit, Modi said, “This is India’s firm belief that no problem can be solved on the battlefield. In any crisis, the loss of lives of innocent people has become the biggest challenge for the whole of humanity. We support dialogue and diplomacy for the early restoration of peace and stability. For this, India, along with its friendly countries, is ready to provide all possible support.”

Putin labels India as a peacemaker

Last week, Putin said that India was among the countries that could sincerely play the role of a mediator in the Russia-Ukraine War.

Addressing the Eastern Economic Forum at Russia’s Vladivostok, Putin said that Russia has never been closed to peace talks and referred to the talks that took place in the weeks following the invasion in 2022.

“We respect our friends, partners, who, I believe, are sincerely interested in resolving all issues related to this conflict. This is primarily the People’s Republic of China, Brazil, India. I am constantly in contact with our colleagues on this issue. And I have no doubt that the leaders of these countries, we have a trusting relationship with them, sincerely strive to help understand all the details of this complex process,” said Putin.

Separately, the Kremlin last week said that Modi can very well mediate between the two sides.

Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov last week told the media outlet Izvestia the existing “highly constructive, even friendly relations” Modi and Putin meant that Modi can “lead the line on getting first-hand information from the participants in this conflict” as he “freely communicates with Putin, with Zelenskyy, and with the Americans”.

Doval travels to Russia amid reports of an Indian peace proposal

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval is currently in Russia for the meeting of the NSAs of the BRICS bloc. On the sidelines, Doval on Wednesday met his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu, an old confidant of Putin. The PTI reported that the talks between Modi and Zelenskyy last month figured in the talks.

Previously, the NDTV reported sources as saying that Doval was scheduled to meet top Russian officials and present a peace proposal outlined by Modi. The sources said the proposal would be presented to Putin.

After Modi returned from Kyiv last month, he held talks with Putin over phone and it was during that conversation that it was decided that Doval would travel to Russia for peace talks, according to NDTV.

India is willing to advise if they want, says Jaishankar

As Doval holds talks in Russia, Jaishankar said that India is willing to advise Ukraine and Russia if the two sides would want it.

At the same time, Jaishankar said the decision to talk has to come from the warring sides.

Jaishankar said, “We don’t think this conflict is going to be resolved on the battlefield. At some stage, there’s going to be some negotiation. When there is a negotiation, the main parties - Russia and Ukraine - have to be at that negotiation…If you want advice, we are always willing to give it.”

Jaishankar further said that it was essential to have Russia as part of talks as “the discussions don’t gain further movement” otherwise, as per PTI.

" As far as India is concerned, it’s up to what the two parties want. We continuously talk to them,” said Jaishankar, as per PTI.

Jaishankar further said, “What is important for us is the reality of the conflict that is taking place today. So, we are always open to any step that is serious, that’s impactful and that is in our view a step towards peace.”