India is ready to help resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict by facilitating negotiations, according to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Speaking at the Annual Ambassadors’ Conference of the German Foreign Office in Berlin, Jaishankar emphasized that peace will not be achieved on the battlefield and that diplomacy is the only path forward.
“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,” Jaishankar said, stressing India’s willingness to offer advice if needed.
He also highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously conveyed to Russian President Vladimir Putin that this is “not an era of war.”
India’s Role in Peace Talks
The minister’s remarks coincide with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval’s trip to Moscow for a key meeting with other National Security Advisers. Sources suggest that Ajit Doval is carrying a peace plan proposed by PM Modi, which will be shared with President Putin.
India’s involvement in the peace efforts gained traction following PM Modi’s visits to both Russia and Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During his meeting with President Zelenskyy, PM Modi reiterated that India is ready to play an “active role” in any peace initiative.
PM Modi’s unique position as one of the few global leaders with strong ties to both Putin and Zelenskyy has positioned India as a potential mediator in the conflict. India’s proposal to mediate reflects its growing influence in international affairs.
Russia Acknowledges India’s Efforts
Russian President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged India’s role, stating that the country is among the three nations — along with China and Brazil — that he is in constant touch with regarding the Ukraine conflict.
In his recent remarks, Putin said, “We respect our friends and partners, who, I believe, sincerely seek to resolve all issues surrounding this conflict, primarily China, Brazil, and India. I constantly keep in touch with our colleagues on this issue.”
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Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also echoed these sentiments, stating that India’s strong relationships with both Russia and Ukraine give it a unique position to help facilitate a peaceful dialogue. Peskov noted, “This gives a great opportunity for India to throw its weight in world affairs, to use its influence that would drive the Americans and Ukrainians towards using a greater political will and entering the peaceful settlement track.”
India’s Diplomatic Moves
Beyond the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Jaishankar also spoke about India’s evolving international role and its participation in key diplomatic platforms such as the Quad, a strategic security dialogue between India, the United States, Australia, and Japan. “We have revived the Quad. It is a major diplomatic platform and India is committed to it,” he stated.
India’s complex relations with China were also touched upon, with Jaishankar mentioning that India is not “closed to business from China” but emphasized that the terms and sectors of engagement are critical factors.
India’s offer to mediate in the Russia-Ukraine conflict underscores its growing stature on the global stage. With PM Modi’s peace proposal and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval’s visit to Moscow, India is positioning itself as a key player in efforts to restore peace in Eastern Europe. Whether or not Russia and Ukraine accept India’s proposal remains to be seen, but India’s role in facilitating negotiations could mark a significant shift in international diplomacy.
