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Kyiv/Moscow: India has expressed its willingness to play the role of an active mediator for the first time in efforts to end the ongoing war between Russia (Putin ) and Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that there are currently four key international proposals regarding the peace process, and India’s proposal is the most comprehensive among them. He noted that India has expressed a desire to play an active role in this process for the first time. Ukraine has also indicated its readiness for an unconditional ceasefire, alongside ceasefires related to energy and agriculture in the Black Sea region.
India’s proposal described as the most comprehensive
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said during a press briefing that four proposals regarding the peace process are currently under consideration. Among these, India’s proposal is the most comprehensive. He said:
“We have four proposals before us. India’s proposal is the most comprehensive. For the first time, India has expressed a desire to play a role in this process.”
According to Sybiha, India’s stance signals a new diplomatic initiative to resolve the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. He stated that Ukraine has already presented its perspective on the peace process to its partners and is ready to work on various ceasefire proposals.
Turkey, Egypt, and the US also mentioned
Sybiha mentioned that, in addition to India, proposals have also come from Turkey and Egypt. Both countries have suggested a ceasefire concerning grain and agricultural activities in the Black Sea. Furthermore, a proposal has been received from the United States, which calls for a ceasefire in the energy sector. The issue of an energy ceasefire also came up during conversations between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump.
**Putin also praised PM Modi’s initiative**
Positive signals regarding India’s role have previously emerged from Russia as well. Russian President Vladimir Putin had stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi possesses “very good ideas” for a mutually acceptable resolution to the Ukraine conflict and consistently raises the issue of ending the war during every meeting. Putin made these remarks on Thursday at the annual meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club. According to the state news agency TASS, Putin noted that Modi is among the world leaders who, despite maintaining good and friendly relations with Russia, persistently raise questions regarding ending the Ukraine conflict.
**’Modi raises the issue of ending the war in every meeting’**
Putin stated that PM Modi raises these issues and takes a keen interest in them during every meeting they hold. According to the Russian President, Modi has “very good ideas” that could help find a solution acceptable to both sides. Following this statement by Putin, reports emerged indicating that Ukraine is, for the first time, open to India playing the role of an active mediator. This marks a significant link between the statements coming from Russia and Ukraine regarding India’s diplomatic role.
**Putin also praised India’s diversity**
At the Valdai Forum, Putin also praised India’s cultural diversity and unity. He remarked that India is an astonishing country due to its size and diversity. Putin mentioned that Prime Minister Modi had told him that out of India’s population of approximately 1.5 billion, around 600 million people speak Hindi, while a vast number of others speak their own local languages; yet, everyone lives together in harmony. Highlighting this as a unique feature of India, Putin remarked that Indian culture demonstrates how diversity and unity can coexist.
**Modi-Putin held talks prior to the BRICS summit**
Prime Minister Modi and Putin held discussions ahead of the BRICS summit held in New Delhi last month. During the interaction, Putin briefed Modi on the current status of the Ukraine war and ongoing peace initiatives. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine began in February 2022. Hostilities have continued since then, and various nations have made diplomatic efforts at different times to bring the conflict to an end. India, too, has consistently emphasized the need for a resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.
**Russia welcomes India’s peace efforts**
Just days before the talks between PM Modi and Putin, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia would welcome any peace initiative from India aimed at ending the Ukraine conflict. According to Peskov, Moscow’s strategy aligns closely with India’s stance of seeking a resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. Against this backdrop, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister’s statement regarding Indian mediation is considered significant in the context of ongoing diplomatic efforts between the two nations.
