Prime Minister Narendra Modi is about to make history this week as he prepares to visit Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. This visit is especially significant since it will be the first time an Indian Prime Minister has set foot in Ukraine since the country gained independence in 1991. But while this trip marks an important moment, India has made it clear that it won't be stepping in to mediate the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, citing unnamed Western diplomats, India has decided not to act as a direct mediator in the war between the two countries. Instead, India has offered to pass messages between Kyiv and Moscow—a role it has quietly played since the conflict escalated in February 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine.
“They’ve made it clear they won’t mediate, but they are willing to pass messages,” said one of the diplomats, as quoted by Hindustan Times. This approach has been echoed by several other diplomats, indicating that India is choosing to walk a fine line in this complex geopolitical landscape.
India’s careful balancing act isn’t new. The country has long-standing relationships with both Ukraine and Russia, and it’s been cautious not to jeopardize either. Despite its close ties with Russia, India has stopped short of openly criticizing Moscow's actions in Ukraine. In international forums like the United Nations, India has either voted against or abstained from resolutions condemning Russia. Yet, India has consistently maintained that war isn’t the answer and has pushed for diplomacy and negotiations as the way forward.
India’s role as a neutral facilitator has been recognized by its Foreign Minister, S. Jaishankar, who has pointed out that India has been instrumental in passing messages between Ukraine and Russia. This includes assisting with negotiations on the grain deal and participating in talks about the safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Jaishankar noted that India is in a unique position to communicate openly and frankly with Russia, something not many countries can do.
“We’ve been the country that can talk to the Russians very frankly and bluntly on this issue [the Russia-Ukraine conflict]. Others have used us to pass messages on various aspects,” Jaishankar said during a visit to Malaysia in March 2023. He also acknowledged India’s critical involvement in discussions regarding the safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
As Prime Minister Modi gears up for this landmark visit to Ukraine, the world will be watching closely. Although India has ruled out playing the role of mediator, its willingness to facilitate communication between Kyiv and Moscow underscores its commitment to finding a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. This visit isn’t just a diplomatic trip—it’s a statement of India’s unique position and its careful, calculated approach to global conflicts.
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