India Is Not Mediating in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict After PM Modi’s Visit to Kyiv Discord

Indian Role: Message-Sending, Not Mediation

Despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s impending visit to Kiev, India is not expected to directly mediate disputes between Russia and Ukraine. According to reports, India has chosen not to mediate the ongoing crisis directly, despite having positive connections with both countries. As per unidentified Western diplomats, India has already assumed the position of a messenger between Russia and Ukraine, and this is its primary goal going forward.

Historical Visit to Kiev

Since Ukraine’s independence in 1991, this visit will be the first time an Indian prime minister has been there. The visit by Prime Minister Modi is indicative of India’s ongoing diplomatic efforts with both Russia and Ukraine, even in the wake of Russia’s invasion of that country in February 2022. India has garnered attention for its choice to maintain its neutral stance on the matter in international fora, especially as it has abstained from supporting resolutions against Russia in the UN.

Sustaining Equilibrium: India’s stance on the dispute

Despite having close relations to Russia, India has refrained from publicly criticising Moscow’s activities in Ukraine. Rather, India has always stressed that going to war is not the answer and has pushed both countries to look for diplomatic solutions through talks. India has been able to preserve its strategic ties because to this position, even if it hasn’t openly supported either side of the fight.

Streamlining Communication: India’s Behind-the-Scenes Participation

India has helped Russia and Ukraine communicate, even if it has refrained from acting as a direct mediator. S. Jaishankar, India’s foreign minister, has recognised this. India participated in talks about the safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear project as well as the negotiations for the grain deal between the two countries. Jaishankar confirmed that other parties had used India as a route to transmit messages between the contending nations when he cited India’s candid and open discussions with Russia on different areas of the dispute during his visit to Malaysia earlier in 2023.

Source names for the article:

Reuters

Indian Express

Uttarbanga Sambad

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