Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to, both, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, from a ‘neutral’ position. It is obvious to anyone in the world that India has not favoured any side in the ongoing war, seeking instead to protect mutual interests with each. It can be safely said that no leader of any major power is in a position to do what Modi has comfortably achieved. This has generated hope that, perhaps, he could broker peace between the two countries. There is no doubt that the ongoing phone calls may have something to do with preparing for peace talks.
Taking into account the fact that there is historic animosity between Ukraine and Russia, as well as deep wounds inflicted in the past couple of years, stopping the war will be a difficult task. But it has to be done, even if the preparations for a ceasefire and sitting across the table take a long time. It is important that the mediator has no stakes in the game, for which India is well-placed. Modi’s declaration that this is not the era of war is not a mere cliché, but a deep realisation that the goals of human advancement cannot be achieved in a disturbed world. All nations, especially India, are greatly dependent on each other in a globalised world. So, India deeply needs that its important trading partners Ukraine and Russia arrive at an understanding.
Modi has also had an exchange of views with US President Joe Biden and, possibly, some assurances have been given on support for a peace initiative. There is already talk that the two warring nations would prefer a ‘third world’ location for negotiations. It is possible that progress will be seen in this direction in the days to come.
A lesson from history is that wars end mostly when one or the other side is defeated. It is a rare occasion when a civilised realisation is brought about regarding the pointlessness of the conflict. This requires both parties to emerge with their pride intact. It is the task of the mediator to provide this sense of security and negotiate a seeming victory for both. Such occasions come very rarely, and the first bit of statesmanship will have to be displayed by Putin and Zelenskyy by grabbing the opportunity. They will lose nothing by India getting the credit for brokering the deal – it will be acceptable to the world community. They will do the world a great service by declaring a ceasefire now that the doors to a resolution have opened up.
