 |
|
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has taken a significant turn with Russian President Vladimir Putin expressing openness to India's mediation efforts. This development, announced at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok, coincides with the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan, where leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa will convene. Putin's suggestion that India, alongside China and Brazil, could mediate peace talks has sparked diplomatic discussions, highlighting India's potential as a peace broker.
Putin's endorsement of BRICS mediation comes after acknowledging past efforts to reach a peace agreement, particularly the Istanbul agreement reached during the early stages of the war. He attributed the failure to implement this agreement to Western interference. He emphasized the potential for renewed negotiations, suggesting that BRICS countries, especially India, China, and Brazil, could play a crucial role in facilitating peace. This shift towards multilateral mediation signifies Russia's willingness to engage emerging powers like India in the peace process.
India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has navigated a delicate diplomatic path, engaging with both Russia and Ukraine while advocating for peace. Modi's visit to Russia in July, during which he held direct talks with Putin, reaffirmed India's long-standing ties with Moscow. Subsequent to this, Modi's visit to Ukraine in August and his meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky solidified India's willingness to mediate in peace talks, provided that Russia is genuinely committed to negotiations. Modi's diplomatic engagement with both nations, as well as with Western powers, has solidified India's credibility as a neutral party and a potential peace broker.
Putin's comments at the EEF highlighted his desire to revive peace talks based on earlier agreements, potentially involving BRICS nations. He attributed the derailment of previous negotiations to external pressures, particularly from Western countries. He expressed interest in a second Peace Summit, possibly hosted in India, further emphasizing India's importance in the peace process. This proposal echoes the growing consensus that India, with its strong ties to both Russia and Ukraine, is uniquely positioned to mediate a peaceful resolution.
The international community has acknowledged India's potential role in mediating peace. The US, in particular, has expressed support for India's efforts. President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Modi discussed global issues, including the Ukraine war, during a recent phone call. US National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby emphasized America's welcoming stance towards any country willing to help end the conflict, recognizing India's potential role in brokering peace. The Russian Foreign Ministry has also lauded India as an influential global power that pursues its foreign policy based on national interests, reiterating Russia's willingness to continue discussions with India on the Ukraine issue.
While Putin has expressed openness to negotiations, he remains firm on certain conditions, including Ukraine's non-membership in NATO and the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the Donbas region. These conditions remain contentious for Kyiv and its Western allies. The effectiveness of India's mediation efforts will depend on its ability to bridge the gap between Russia and Ukraine while addressing the concerns of all stakeholders involved. The outcome of the upcoming BRICS summit, where discussions on the Ukraine conflict are likely to take center stage, will shed light on the potential for a peaceful resolution mediated by India and other BRICS members.
Source: Putin open to India’s mediation in Ukraine crisis: A new hope for peace talks