In a reaffirmation of its stance on global peace, India once again offered its full cooperation in resolving the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, stressed India’s support for peaceful negotiations and the importance of dialogue. The talks, held on the sidelines of the summit, underscored India’s consistent position on the need for diplomacy in addressing the conflict that has disrupted global stability since 2022.

India’s Call for Peace and Stability

Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s commitment to a peaceful resolution to the conflict, urging for the early restoration of peace in the region. “We are in constant touch on the issue of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine,” he said. “We fully support the early return of peace and stability. All our efforts give priority to humanity. India is ready to provide all possible cooperation in times to come.”

This aligns with India’s broader foreign policy of neutrality and advocacy for diplomacy. Modi’s remarks reinforce India’s belief that war is not a solution and that the path to peace lies through dialogue and understanding. His offer of support for conflict resolution echoes India’s longstanding call for multilateral approaches to global crises.

Bilateral Ties: A Foundation for Constructive Dialogue

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Russia comes within three months of his previous trip to Moscow, showcasing the close ties between the two nations. Modi referred to the significance of these visits, saying, “My two visits to Russia in the last three months reflect our close coordination and deep friendship. Our Annual Summit in Moscow has strengthened our cooperation in every field.” This deep bilateral relationship gives India the credibility to offer itself as a mediator in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

President Putin, echoing these sentiments, emphasized the significance of BRICS in fostering international cooperation. “Here in Kazan, we are to make a number of decisions to enhance the efficiency of efforts made by BRICS. We value our cooperation on this track, considering that our nations were instrumental in founding the association,” Putin said during the meeting. His remarks highlight the role of BRICS in addressing global challenges and the vital role India-Russia cooperation plays in this multilateral framework.

Diplomacy as a Cornerstone: India’s Peaceful Approach

India’s advocacy for peace extends beyond the Russia-Ukraine conflict. It has consistently promoted diplomacy in resolving disputes, including its own complex relationship with China. Despite facing several standoffs along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), India has maintained its commitment to peaceful negotiations with China. The government has engaged in multiple rounds of diplomatic discussions with Beijing, prioritizing dialogue over conflict.

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India’s success in diffusing tensions with China underscores its belief in resolving issues diplomatically. These peaceful approaches have allowed both India and China to manage their disputes without escalation, making India’s call for dialogue in the Russia-Ukraine war both credible and consistent with its broader international strategy.

BRICS: A Platform for Global Cooperation

Prime Minister Modi’s engagement at the BRICS Summit underscored India’s role as a key player in multilateral diplomacy. BRICS, which brings together Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, serves as a critical platform for discussing not only economic development but also pressing geopolitical issues. As the bloc continues to expand, with new members showing interest, its importance in shaping the global order has grown.

“We fully support the early establishment of peace and stability,” Modi said, reinforcing India’s position that conflicts like the one in Ukraine must be resolved through diplomacy. His presence at BRICS further exemplifies India’s proactive role in international efforts to maintain peace. Modi’s recognition of Russia’s leadership within BRICS also highlighted the growing influence of the association. He stated, “The BRICS has created its special identity, and now many countries of the world want to join it.”

Russia’s role as a founding member of BRICS and its leadership of this year’s summit was acknowledged by Putin, who stressed the need for BRICS to take effective decisions in tackling global issues. Putin’s statement reflected the association’s increasing clout on the global stage, making it a fitting platform for Modi to reiterate India’s offer of cooperation in peacebuilding efforts.

India-Russia Relations: Strengthening Strategic Ties

The bilateral meeting between Modi and Putin also reinforced the strong strategic partnership between India and Russia. Modi expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and spoke of the strengthening ties between the two countries, particularly with the opening of India’s new consulate in Kazan. “The opening of India’s new consulate in Kazan will further strengthen these ties,” Modi remarked, highlighting the symbolic and practical importance of deepening bilateral engagement.

Both leaders also reflected on the significance of their annual summit in Moscow earlier in the year, which further bolstered cooperation in various sectors. This close relationship provides India with a strong platform to engage with Russia on sensitive issues like the Ukraine conflict, positioning India as a credible partner in conflict resolution.