Peaceful rhetoric or geopolitical game: is India ready to mediate between Russia and Ukraine?
23 October 2024 15:22
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India has declared its readiness to mediate peace talks between Russia and Ukraine to end the war. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his position during a meeting with Russian President Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan. However, the words of peace were accompanied by a warm embrace between the two leaders. Does Modi have any influence on Putin and what does the statement of readiness to mediate really mean?
The Indian Prime Minister stressed that the war between Russia and Ukraine should be resolved peacefully.
“We are in constant contact on this situation. As I have said before, problems should be resolved through diplomatic means. India strongly supports the achievement of peace and stability at the earliest possible time. We stand ready to continue to provide all possible assistance in this endeavour,” Narendra Modi said.
On the one hand, Modi’s statement at the summit underscores India’s desire to take an active role in the peaceful resolution of international conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, while remaining an important partner for both the West and Russia.
However, Narendra Modi’s statements about India’s readiness to mediate in the settlement of the war between Russia and Ukraine may be met with scepticism, especially against the backdrop of his warm embrace with Putin during the BRICS summit. It’s no secret that India is keen to maintain a strategic partnership with Russia, particularly in the energy and military sectors, which may explain diplomatic gestures such as hugs.
India on the road to global leadership: how does the war in Ukraine strengthen Modi’s position in the BRICS?
In an exclusive commentary for
“India is actually benefiting from this war, as it buys Russian oil for rupees that Moscow cannot use to finance the war. These funds are forced to stay in India, and Russia invests them in the Indian economy. As for India’s position as a potential peacemaker between Russia and Ukraine, this is not a unique proposal. Most countries are ready to support peace, but it is worth noting that India is now more focused on the US than on Russia or China,” Kulpa said.
The expert also highlighted the changing balance of power in the global economy.
“India is strengthening its position within the BRICS, as many countries that used to look to China are now turning to India because of China’s involvement in supporting Russian aggression. In addition, the US economic sanctions against China are leading to the growth of the US economy and re-industrialisation, while the economic gap between the US and China is only growing,” says Peter Kulpa.
He added that these changes could turn the BRICS into an alliance in which India will play the role of leader, while the other members will gradually lose their positions.
Does India have the power to influence Putin?
Military expert Ivan Stupak in an exclusive commentary
“The Russian Federation is extremely dependent on India and China, and their opinion is extremely important for Moscow, regardless of whether the Russian authorities like it or not,” Ivan Stupak said.
At the same time, the expert stressed that the actions of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi should not be perceived as pro-Russian.
“Remember when Modi visited Russia, and at the same time Russia attacked Okhmatdyt. Many people criticised him for meeting the Russian dictator, but at that moment, Modi achieved that Russia stopped recruiting Indian citizens for the war. He also managed to bring back some Indians who were already on the front line and disrupted the signing of important bilateral agreements,” Stupak said.
He also added that although India’s position is not completely pro-Ukrainian, it is definitely not pro-Russian.
“It is important for us to establish relations with India and appeal to the fact that peace in Ukraine will be more beneficial for India than war. And I believe it will work, just like in the case of China,” the expert concluded.
Thus, India’s statement about its readiness to mediate peace talks between Russia and Ukraine underscores its desire to play an active role in the international arena, while maintaining a balance between strategic partners.
However, against the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s warm embrace with Vladimir Putin during the BRICS summit, the question remains: is India really able to influence the Kremlin’s position?
Author: Anastasia Fedor
