India's Potential Role in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict:
The Union government is considering a possible role for India in ending the Russia-Ukraine war.
Ukraine is eager for India to sign the Swiss peace summit document, as Kyiv views India's involvement as significant for peace efforts.
India's Response to Swiss Peace Summit:
Following the peace summit in June, India disassociated itself from the outcome of the summit, citing the lack of involvement of both Russia and Ukraine in the process.
Despite this, Ukraine remains hopeful for India's participation in future peace efforts.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed that India retrospectively join the peace process.
This comes ahead of plans for a second peace summit, scheduled for October or November.
Ukraine's Ambassador to India, Oleksandr Polishchuk, confirmed this proposal, stating that Ukraine has more "ambition" for India's role beyond just acting as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Desire for India’s Greater Role:
Ambassador Polishchuk expressed Ukraine's hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ukraine and discussions with President Zelenskyy will indicate India's support for peace-building efforts.
Ukraine wants India to consider playing a more significant role, including potentially hosting a peace summit or offering proposals aligned with key principles like humanitarian access and nuclear safety.
India’s Potential as a Major Peace Player:
The Ukrainian envoy highlighted that India, as a large democracy with PM Modi's diplomatic access to all parties, should play a larger role beyond just conveying messages.
The envoy suggested that India could guide the peace process and even host future summits.
India's Diplomatic Engagements on Peace Efforts:
The Modi government has intensified its diplomatic outreach to other countries involved in peace efforts.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia, Germany, and Switzerland from September 8 to 13 to engage with ministers and heads of UN organizations.
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval will visit Russia from September 10 to 12 for the BRICS NSA meetings, where he will meet counterparts from China, Brazil, South Africa, and several other countries.
These diplomatic efforts come after Zelenskyy pitched India as a possible mediator, along with other “Global South” countries
Russian President Putin expressed his appreciation for India's efforts, alongside China and Brazil.
In addition to peace efforts, Zelenskyy and Modi discussed various bilateral issues.
Ambassador Polishchuk emphasized the need to focus on implementing the cooperative plans that the two leaders had agreed to during their talks.
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