Is PM Modi the new global mediator for the Ukraine-Russia conflict?

New Delhi, Aug 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent engagement of international diplomatic activities that included telephonic conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, U.S. President Joe Biden, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signals Modi and India’s evolving role as a potential global mediator in the Russia - Ukraine conflict.

Modi’s proactive approach, characterised by a mix of physical visits and strategic phone calls, suggests that India is positioning itself not just as a neutral observer, but as an active facilitator of peace in one of the world’s most complex geopolitical crises that has already completed 30 months.

On Tuesday, Modi spoke with President Putin, just a day after his phone conversation with the US President Joe Biden. Modi took to Twitter to share details of his discussion with Putin, stating, “Spoke with President Putin today. Discussed measures to further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Exchanged perspectives on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and my insights from the recent visit to Ukraine. Reiterated India’s firm commitment to support an early, abiding, and peaceful resolution of the conflict.”

This dialogue occurred at a critical juncture as Russia ramped up its military offensives against Ukraine, leading to not only casualties but also a direct attack on their energy production paralysing the country from power generation just ahead of the winter months.

Ukrainian air defence forces reported the entire country under threat from ballistic missile attacks, with President Zelensky vowing a strong response.

Amidst this backdrop, Modi’s outreach highlights India’s potential to act as a stabilising force, advocating for a peaceful resolution while maintaining strong ties with both sides.

Modi’s diplomatic efforts are not limited to phone conversations. His recent visits to both Ukraine and Russia further solidify India’s active role in seeking a resolution. Last week, Modi made a brief but impactful visit to Kyiv, marking the first by an Indian prime minister to Ukraine in modern history.

The visit, lasting around seven hours, was a clear signal of India’s commitment to engaging directly with the conflict’s realities. Just weeks earlier, Modi had met with Putin in Moscow, where he offered India’s assistance in facilitating peace talks, emphasizing that “dialogue and diplomacy are the only paths to ending the conflict.”

Modi’s actions reflect India’s longstanding commitment to peace, a commitment symbolized by his visit to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Kyiv. His message was clear: India stands ready to support any effort that brings about a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reinforced this sentiment, stating, “Anything we can do to help—whether upfront, behind the scenes or in a supportive capacity—it is the objective we are interested in rather than the process.”

Jaishankar further added, “We are willing to do whatever we can because we do think that the continuation of this conflict is terrible for Ukraine, obviously, and for the world as well.”

This statement encapsulates India’s approach, flexible, and focused on outcomes rather than rhetoric. Meanwhile, Modi’s balancing act between the warring parties is evident in his interactions with both Zelensky and Putin.

Modi’s visit to Ukraine, followed closely by phone calls with both Putin and Joe Biden, highlights India’s unique position as a bridge between East and West.

Western media have interpreted Modi’s visit to Ukraine as a move to appease Western allies, especially after he met with Putin in Moscow.

Zelensky’s earlier criticism of Modi for “hugging the world’s most bloody criminal” during his visit to Russia was met with a more conciliatory tone when Modi visited Kyiv, where Modi extended same warm embrace to Zelensky as well.

However, Modi’s engagement is not merely a diplomatic balancing act; it is a strategic assertion of India’s non-aligned foreign policy. By maintaining strong relations with both Russia and the West, Modi is demonstrating India’s ability and growth to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes while advancing its own interests.

The Prime Minister’s visit to Ukraine was also symbolic, showcasing India’s solidarity with the Ukrainian people and recognizing their resilience in the face of aggression.

Zelensky’s warm reception of Modi and his description of the visit as “historic” highlights the diplomatic success of this engagement.

India’s growing influence in Europe, India’s diaspora’s increasing role in the West and its ambition to play a more significant role on the global stage were clearly on display.

Moreover, Modi’s visit to Kyiv was complemented by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s concurrent visit to Washington, D.C., where he engaged in defence agreements and met with leaders from the Pentagon to the White House.

This synchronised diplomatic effort highlights India’s multifaceted approach to international relations engaging with all major powers while carving out a distinct role for itself.

Modi’s actions have reset India’s role as a potential global mediator, one that is increasingly acceptable to the warring parties.

His presence in Kyiv and his ongoing dialogue with key global leaders showcases New Delhi’s broader strategic objectives of securing energy resources, expanding trade opportunities, and building alliances that support its rise as a global power and demand to have a seat on the high table of the United Nation Security Council.

As the conflict continues to escalate, India’s role in mediating the Ukraine-Russia conflict will serve as a litmus test for its diplomatic agility and its ability to uphold international norms.

The world will be watching to see if Modi’s proactive approach can indeed make India the new global mediator in this high-stakes geopolitical theatre.