With Putin now suggesting that India could mediate in peace talks, India's role on the global stage continues to grow

The Russia-Ukraine war, which erupted in February 2022, has resulted in devastating human and economic losses, with no clear end in sight. What began as a territorial conflict over Ukraine's desire to align itself more closely with Western institutions like NATO and the European Union has turned into a prolonged military engagement with Russia, leading to mass displacement, thousands of casualties, and significant global economic disruptions. In recent months, efforts to find a peaceful resolution have gained renewed attention. One potential pathway for peace emerged when Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested that countries like India, China, and Brazil could act as mediators in peace talks. This proposal points to a potential role for these major Global South nations in shaping the future of negotiations. Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent remarks on peace efforts are significant, especially in light of earlier failed negotiations. In the initial weeks of the war, a preliminary agreement was reached between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators during talks in Istanbul.

Now, Putin suggests that this could serve as a basis for future discussions, with mediation from nations like India, China, and Brazil, which have historically maintained neutral or balanced positions in the conflict. These nations, particularly India, could bring fresh perspectives to the table. India's long-standing policy of non-alignment and its diplomatic clout as a leader among Global South countries make it a credible mediator in a highly polarised international arena. India has consistently advocated for peace in the ongoing conflict, calling for both Russia and Ukraine to engage in dialogue. Prime Minister Modi's diplomatic stance has been underscored by his visit to Ukraine last month. During this historic visit, PM Modi met with Zelenskyy, who proposed that India could host the second Ukraine peace summit. This proposal, Zelenskyy said, was due to India's position as a major democracy and its efforts to remain neutral in the conflict. India's position as a potential mediator offers several advantages. First, India's diplomatic relations with both Russia and Ukraine have been strong over the years. Second, India's neutrality in the conflict positions it as an acceptable mediator to both sides, which have faced varying degrees of global isolation and support. For Russia, India remains a crucial partner, and for Ukraine, India's growing global influence makes it a key player in any future peace talks. Third, India's active participation in global multilateral forums, including the G20 and BRICS, gives it a platform to influence discussions on peace efforts at a broader level. While the potential for peace talks with India, China, and Brazil as mediators is promising, challenges remain. The conflict has seen entrenched positions from both sides, with Ukraine's territorial integrity at the center of any resolution. The success of such mediation will ultimately depend on the willingness of both Russia and Ukraine to make compromises and find common ground for peace.