Amid all the discussions around Western nations trying to find a resolution to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday chimed in on it and said that the Russia-Ukraine conflict will only be resolved when both sides join the negotiation table. He also asserted that there can never be a resolution on the battlefield. PM Modi was sitting on a podcast with Lex Fridman that was released on Sunday when he reiterated that India is not neutral but firmly committed to peace.
“I have a close relationship with Russia and Ukraine alike. I can sit with President Putin and say that this is not the time for war. And I can also tell President Zelensky, in a friendly way, that regardless of how many people stand with you in the world, there will never be a resolution on the battlefield,” Modi told Lexman.
The prime minister responded to a question about India’s role in fostering peace, making it clear that negotiations must involve both warring parties. “Ukraine may hold countless discussions with its allies, but it will bear no fruit. Discussions must include both parties,” he stressed.
Modi also suggested that while finding peace was initially a challenge, the present circumstances offer a critical opportunity for meaningful discussions between Ukraine and Russia. He pointed to the suffering of nations globally due to the war’s impact on food, fuel and fertiliser supply chains, particularly affecting the Global South.
The Indian prime minister further reinforced that India, the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Lord Buddha, is inherently a proponent of peace.
“Culturally and historically, our background is so strong that whenever we speak of peace, the world listens to us, because India is the land of Gautam Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi. Indians are not hardwired to espouse strife and conflict. We believe in harmony, and wherever we can mediate for peace, we will gladly take up that responsibility,” he added.
Reflecting on global dynamics post-COVID-19, Modi remarked that instead of uniting, the world has become even more fragmented, with conflicts emerging across multiple regions. He also pointed out the diminishing effectiveness of international institutions such as the United Nations due to their failure to reform and remain relevant.
“The world must move away from conflict and embrace coordination,” he said. He further reiterated that true progress would come through development, not expansionism, as expansionist policies fuel conflicts rather than fostering stability.
India has consistently advocated for dialogue and diplomacy in resolving the Ukraine crisis. During his summit talks with Putin in Moscow last July, Modi told the Russian leader that war is not a viable solution and that peace efforts cannot succeed amid ongoing violence.
Weeks later, Modi traveled to Ukraine, where he urged Zelenskyy to engage in direct negotiations with Russia without further delay. He also reassured Ukraine that India was ready to play an active role in restoring peace in the region.
(With inputs from agencies)