The Necessity of Indian Mediation in the Ukraine-Russia Conflict
India has the opportunity to mediate in the Ukraine-Russia war despite concerns about waiting for more power. The external affairs ministry’s readiness for support underscores India’s potential role. By facilitating negotiations, India can improve its global standing and engage with multiple stakeholders. Overcoming fears of failure and asserting its economic strengths could enhance India’s influence in resolving global conflicts.
India’s potential role in mediating the Ukraine-Russia conflict has become increasingly relevant. Contrary to the belief that India must wait for greater power before engaging in global conflicts, the external affairs ministry has expressed readiness to contribute to peaceful solutions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s earlier visit to Kyiv demonstrates India’s interest in fostering dialogue, and it is an opportune moment for New Delhi to step in to facilitate a resolution to the war.
New Delhi’s decision to refrain from condemning Russia post-invasion and its efforts to balance relations between Russia and Western nations have proven beneficial. As India’s strategic choices unfold in the current geopolitical landscape characterized by significant shifts, especially with the changing dynamics involving the United States and Russia, India should leverage its unique position to mediate in the ongoing peace talks in Riyadh, which many perceive as lacking substantial progress.
There are three compelling reasons for India to mediate at this juncture. First, the timing aligns with Russia’s desire to alleviate sanctions as it seeks to engage in dialogue with the U.S. while still navigating relations with European nations. Second, India’s acceptability across various capitals gives it an edge as a mediator; few countries are willing to engage all parties involved without skepticism. Lastly, India’s involvement aligns with its aspirations as an emerging global power, needing to establish its presence at the negotiation table in a multipolar world.
Moreover, if a ceasefire is achieved, Ukraine may seek assurances against future aggression, which could lead to the deployment of Indian peacekeepers, acknowledged for their neutrality. India should aim for a tangible role in negotiations rather than merely participating in peacekeeping missions.
However, several factors may hinder India’s mediation efforts. A prevalent concern is the fear of failure if diplomatic endeavors do not yield expected results. Nonetheless, historical precedents illustrate that mediation offers geopolitical leverage and can enhance a country’s standing on the global stage. Moreover, mediation serves not only to resolve conflicts but also to facilitate communication among adversarial parties seeking reconciliation.
To operationalize its mediation role, India should appoint a special envoy to engage discreetly with conflict parties, understand their positions, and propose India as a venue for forthcoming negotiations. Assertions that India should delay its mediation efforts until achieving more significant power are misguided. When compared to contemporary mediators, India’s economy vastly exceeds those of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, underscoring that success in mediation is primarily a matter of political will rather than economic strength. Given its historical experiences with third-party mediation, India must seize the moment to engage in global conflict resolution on behalf of others.
In light of the current geopolitical landscape and the pressing nature of the Ukraine-Russia war, it is imperative that India positions itself as a mediator. The country’s unique standing and willingness to engage with multiple parties could facilitate obtaining a ceasefire agreement. Fears of failure should not deter India from embracing its capability for mediation, as successful engagement will bolster India’s global relevance and diplomatic presence. Ultimately, India must act decisively, recognizing its potential to shape outcomes in international conflicts.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
