India’s mediation in the Ukraine-Russia conflict is critical due to timely diplomatic opportunities, its acceptability among involved parties, and alignment with national interests. The time is ripe for India to engage actively and facilitate negotiations, especially with ongoing talks in Riyadh. This proactive approach could enhance India’s global standing and influence in a multipolar world.
The notion that India should defer mediation in global conflicts, such as the Ukraine-Russia war, until it attains greater power is fundamentally flawed. The Ministry of External Affairs expressed a willingness to assist in finding peaceful solutions prior to Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Kyiv in August. It is now an opportune moment for India to take an active role in facilitating the cessation of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine.
India’s cautious approach since the onset of the conflict—balancing its relations with Russia and Western nations—has yielded favorable results. New Delhi can now reflect positively on its strategic choices, both made and unmade, during this complex geopolitical period. However, India’s ongoing engagement in global power dynamics demands a more proactive stance in conflicts such as the Ukraine war.
Recent discussions in Riyadh to resolve the Ukraine conflict present a critical opening for India. By proposing mediation and a venue for dialogue among Russia and Ukraine, with American involvement, India can position itself as a key player in the negotiations. Given the current wave of negotiations, India’s intervention could prove instrumental, especially as many view these discussions as underdeveloped in scope.
Three compelling reasons support India’s immediate mediation. Firstly, the timing is critical; Russia seeks to alleviate sanctions and engage with the United States, initiating talks in Riyadh. Yet European acceptance is necessary for Russia’s reintegration into the global security framework, and those discussions have yet to adequately include Ukraine.
Secondly, India has a level of acceptability among the key parties embroiled in the conflict, a characteristic not easily matched by other nations. Unlike China, India is perceived favorably by both Ukraine and Russia, presenting a unique opportunity for engagement.
Thirdly, facilitating mediation aligns with India’s national interests, enhancing its global standing in a multipolar world. Positioning itself at the negotiation table reinforces India’s aspirations of being recognized as a global power, especially in a geopolitical climate where presence holds significance.
In the event of a ceasefire, Ukraine may demand guarantees against potential Russian aggression. India’s experience and neutrality could make its peacekeepers a logical choice to oversee any resulting agreements. Instead of merely participating in peacekeeping, India has the opportunity to actively negotiate peace and ensure its sustainability.
Nonetheless, certain apprehensions hinder India’s involvement. A significant concern is the fear of failure, should its mediation efforts prove unfruitful. However, the potential geopolitical gains and the right to mediate necessitate an attempt, regardless of the outcome. Mediation’s purpose is not solely conflict resolution but also establishing the mediator’s status and influence.
Furthermore, mediation entails facilitating discussions rather than dictating outcomes. India should appoint a special envoy to confidentially engage with conflicting parties, gauging their positions and offering a neutral venue for dialogue in India.
Critically, the assertion that India must wait for greater strength before mediating is undermined by its significant economic standing compared to other mediators like Turkey, Saudi Arabia, or Qatar. India’s involvement in mediating international conflicts is imperative, particularly in instances where its past experiences as a recipient of external mediation emphasize the need for proactive engagement in the global arena.
In summary, India’s potential to mediate in the Ukraine war stems from favorable timeliness, broad acceptability, and alignment with national interests. As it navigates the complexities of international relations, India must embrace the opportunity to facilitate dialogue and peace, which will bolster its standing as a global power. The current geopolitical landscape has created a rare chance for India to evolve from being a participant in others’ conflicts to a decisive mediator facilitating resolutions, thus enhancing its influence in global affairs.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
