What is India's position in Russia-Ukraine Conflict?

The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, David Cameron, recently made a significant statement that has added weight to discussions surrounding India’s potential as a peace-broker in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Speaking at an event titled ‘India Century’ on October 21st, Cameron highlighted India’s credibility and capability to act as a mediator in the conflict. However, he also emphasized that any mediation efforts must prioritize the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine—a stance that India has consistently supported.

India’s Global Standing and Rising Influence

India’s role in international diplomacy has been growing significantly over the years. As the leader of the Global South, India is now being increasingly acknowledged by major powers for its ability to mediate and negotiate on the global stage. Cameron pointed out that the challenges of conflicts and climate change are among the most formidable ones faced by the international community today.

India, being the world’s largest democracy, one of the fastest-growing economies, and a nation undergoing rapid green transitions, is uniquely positioned to play a significant role in global governance. Cameron specifically praised India’s massive investment in green technology and its efforts to reduce carbon emissions, all of which align with the country's broader ambitions to lead in sustainable development.

India’s ambitions for a more prominent role in global governance are also gaining increasing recognition. India is a member of powerful alliances such as the Quad and the G-20 and is frequently invited to G-7 summits. Cameron emphasized the need for a reset in global governance, particularly given the evolving global political landscape. He believes that India should be granted a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to reflect its growing stature in the international community.

This acknowledgment of India’s position opens up a conversation about its role in mediating the Ukrainian war. India’s consistent neutrality in the conflict and its calls for dialogue and diplomacy could indeed make it an ideal candidate to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine.

India’s Neutral Stance on the Ukraine War

Since the war erupted in Ukraine over two years ago, India has maintained a neutral stance, calling for a peaceful resolution through diplomacy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has personally communicated to both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the solution cannot be found on the battlefield. Modi’s visits to Kyiv and discussions with Zelenskyy reaffirmed India’s commitment to a negotiated solution. India has been consistent in asserting that any peace process must involve both parties and that it will support any mutually acceptable solution that can restore peace.

Unlike Western countries such as the United States and its allies, India has refrained from taking sides in the conflict, and this neutrality is key to its potential role as a peace mediator. India has emphasized constructive engagement with all stakeholders, including Russia and Ukraine, in its efforts to find a solution.

India’s neutrality and its constructive approach have not gone unnoticed. Both Putin and Zelenskyy have expressed an appreciation for India’s potential role in the peace process. Putin has openly acknowledged the concerns of partners like India, and his spokesperson, Dimitry Peskov, even stated that India could help establish contacts and dialogue with Ukraine. This indicates that Russia sees India as a credible intermediary.

Likewise, while Zelenskyy has welcomed India's diplomatic initiatives, he has expressed a desire for India to condemn Russia’s invasion—a stance that New Delhi has refrained from adopting. Zelenskyy has also suggested that India could host the next peace conference, further underscoring the credibility that India enjoys in the international arena.

India’s track record of non-violence, neutrality, and non-aggression makes it a unique candidate for mediating international conflicts. The country, which was the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence, has never engaged in the invasion or domination of other countries. India’s foreign policy has historically been centered around non-alignment, strategic autonomy, and independence.

In today’s multipolar world, India has adopted a strategy of multi-alignment, whereby it seeks common interests with different countries while maintaining its neutral stance. This approach makes it a natural candidate for peace negotiations in conflicts like the Ukrainian war, as it is not beholden to any major power bloc.

The Global Need for Cooperation on Peace and Climate Change

The international community is facing two urgent challenges—climate change and conflict. As Cameron pointed out, these issues require global cooperation. The horrible consequences of wars, such as those in Ukraine and the Middle East, cannot be ignored, and the world must work together to prevent further suffering and destruction.

India’s leadership in addressing these global challenges, combined with its consistent commitment to diplomatic solutions, gives it the authority to call for peace and cooperation. However, for India to take on this role fully, it will require support from the global community—particularly the major powers that dominate international organizations like the UNSC.

There is no doubt that India’s potential role as a peace broker in the Ukrainian war is gaining traction on the world stage. Cameron’s endorsement is a significant step in recognizing India’s capability to mediate such conflicts. The world urgently needs a credible peace broker to bring the warring parties to the negotiating table, and India, with its history of neutrality and non-violence, is well-positioned to take on that responsibility.

India’s leadership, however, will require a firm commitment to global peace and a willingness to seize the opportunities presented. As Cameron noted, Prime Minister Modi’s leadership is critical at this juncture. Will Modi rise to the challenge and take India’s rightful place on the world stage as a champion of peace?