Unrealistic expectations: On India and Russia-Ukraine peace
India’s efforts at peacemaking between Russia and Ukraine have limited potential
If the government is indeed serious about such a role, it must be clear about what it entails. While officials have frequently said India has “conveyed messages” between Russia, Ukraine, and western countries during the war, mediating will require India to expend considerable goodwill, time and patience to achieve results. Türkiye, Indonesia and Hungary have been speaking to both sides since the 2022 invasion, and there are now many peace proposals from Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Mr. Putin, the Bürgenstock Communiqué, and even a six-point proposal by Brazil and China. The conflict is far from stable with ominous signs of an escalation including Ukraine’s invasion of Kursk, Russian missile strikes, and Mr. Zelenskyy’s persistent demand to be allowed to carry out long-range strikes on Russia using American and British hardware. Mr. Modi’s travel to the U.S. this month for UN meetings, the Quad Summit and another meeting with Mr. Zelenskyy possibly, followed by his visit to Russia for the BRICS summit will carry much responsibility, but India’s efforts at peacemaking must not be over-burdened by unrealistic expectations.
