In a key diplomatic move, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has put forward India as a possible venue for a peace summit to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Zelenskyy and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed this idea, and Modi is considering it. This step is part of Zelenskyy’s push to gain more global backing for Ukraine’s stance, highlighting India’s possible crucial role in ending the war.
Ukraine Proposes Plan for a Worldwide Peace Summit in India
At a press conference in Kyiv, Zelenskyy shared his plans for a second peace summit. He believes it should take place in one of the Global South nations. He suggested India as the perfect venue, mentioning its status as the world’s largest democracy and its significant global role. “I told Prime Minister Modi that India could host the Global Peace Summit. It’s a big country, it’s a great democracy—the biggest one,” Zelenskyy said.
Zelenskyy also mentioned ongoing discussions with other countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Türkiye, and Switzerland, as potential hosts for the summit. But his specific mention of India shows a strategic plan to involve a country that has maintained a balanced position between Western powers and Russia throughout the conflict.
The first peace summit, which took place in June at a resort near Lucerne, Switzerland, had over 90 countries and global institutions participating. This summit focused on finding peaceful solutions for Ukraine. With the first summit setting an example, India possibly hosting the next round could change the workings of international diplomacy around the conflict.
India’s Role in Global Diplomacy
During talks with Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Modi restated India’s dedication to peace and stressed that Russia and Ukraine need to have direct talks immediately. Modi stated that India is prepared to play an active role in facilitating peace in the region. This demonstrates India’s stance as a potential mediator in one of the toughest conflicts of our time.
Zelenskyy’s plea to India means more than just a gesture. He highlighted India’s influence on the world and its impact on nations that prefer to remain neutral in the conflict with Russia. “India is a big powerful country, not just but also among very doubtful nations. If we change India’s view on this war and Russia, we’ll end the war, because Putin will want to stop it,” Zelenskyy said.
This perspective reflects Ukraine’s strategy: by reaching out to India, which has remained neutral in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Kyiv hopes to shift global perceptions and increase pressure on Moscow to reconsider its stance.
The Strategic Importance of India’s Involvement
Zelenskyy described Modi’s first visit to Kyiv as “historic,” emphasizing the importance of strengthening bilateral relations. As they talked, Modi invited Zelenskyy to visit India, further solidifying their diplomatic connection. Zelenskyy expressed his eagerness to visit India, pointing out that to understand a country’s politics, one must understand its people. “It’s better to be in your country because to find the key to your country and to your Prime Minister is to see your people, and I need very much to find the key to your country,” he said.
The Ukrainian President stated that India could play a crucial part in peace talks, but he expects India to side more with Ukraine. He urged India to stop attempting to balance its relationships with both the United States and Russia. Instead, he wants India to stand with Ukraine and other countries backing its sovereignty.
Challenges and Opportunities for India
Zelenskyy acknowledged the delicate position India is in, given its longstanding ties with Russia. However, he emphasized that the war in Ukraine transcends old alliances and is fundamentally about upholding international law and respecting a nation’s sovereignty. “India backs Ukraine’s right to run its own country within its borders, and this matters because everyone around the globe should follow the UN Charter,” Zelenskyy said.
When it comes to economic matters, Zelenskyy highlighted the significant challenges Russia might face if the world, India included, stops buying its cheap oil. He pointed out that Russia’s economy heavily relies on oil exports, and if fewer countries purchase Russian energy, it could exert additional pressure on Moscow.
In the defense sector, Zelenskyy mentioned that talks with India covered technological cooperation, hinting that Ukraine is seeking a substantial partnership if India agrees. This opens doors to enhanced cooperation between the two nations in mutually significant areas.
As the world weighs India’s offer to host the peace talks, all eyes are on New Delhi’s decision. India’s involvement in the peace process could be a game-changer in the conflict, potentially leading to a resolution that has eluded the world for years. With so much at stake, the next few weeks will determine India’s role in this ongoing crisis and its impact on global peace efforts.
