Enhancing India’s Role: The Case for Mediation in the Ukraine War
India is positioned to mediate in the Ukraine-Russia war, as its diplomatic strategies have yielded favorable outcomes. Key reasons for immediate action include timely engagement in ongoing negotiations, India’s unique acceptability among conflict parties, and alignment with national interests. To proceed, India should appoint a special envoy for effective communication and mediation.
The notion that India must wait until it ascends to a more powerful status before mediating in conflicts like the Ukraine-Russia war is fundamentally flawed. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed, prior to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kyiv in August, that “India is willing to provide all possible support and contributions required to help find peaceful solutions to this complex issue.” This signals a timely opportunity for India to take on a mediating role to foster peace in the ongoing conflict.
India’s approach of abstaining from condemning Russia after its invasion, along with balancing its interests with both Russia and Western nations, has resulted in favorable diplomatic outcomes. Presently, New Delhi can reflect upon its strategic decisions proudly. However, as global politics evolve with new dynamics, including a prominent role for President Donald Trump, India must engage actively in international affairs. The ongoing discussions in Riyadh to resolve the Ukraine war could provide a pivotal moment for India to propose mediation and serve as a host for ceasefire talks involving key stakeholders from both sides.
There are three compelling reasons for India to mediate now. First, the timing is crucial. Although Russia is currently gaining ground in the conflict, it is anxious to relax sanctions and engage with the US. The Riyadh negotiations lack the presence of Ukraine thus far, which opens an avenue for India to facilitate discussions among Russia, Europe, the US, and Ukraine.
Second, India holds a unique position of acceptability among the main actors in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. It is one of the few significant countries deemed acceptable by all parties involved. Unlike China, which may face skepticism, India has the potential to serve as a trusted intermediary, fostering collaboration and dialogue to achieve a resolution.
Third, India’s involvement in mediation would serve its national interests. As a nation striving to elevate its global standing in a multipolar world, engagement in mediation efforts would enhance India’s influence and facilitate greater respect from other nations. In a geopolitical climate marked by competing interests, participation in peace initiatives is essential.
Moreover, should a ceasefire materialize, Ukraine may demand assurances against future Russian aggression. Given India’s experience and neutral stance, Indian peacekeepers could be ideal candidates for overseeing any arrangements. Instead of merely being a participant in a peace deal shaped by others, India ought to lead negotiations and actively contribute to sustaining peace.
What inhibits India from stepping into this role? The predominant concern seems to be the fear of failure. India may worry that mediation efforts might not yield tangible results. However, the potential geopolitical gains often outweigh the risks of unsuccessful negotiations. The mediator’s role is not solely to achieve a favorable outcome, but also to enhance their own status and influence.
Additionally, mediation is not merely about ending conflicts but facilitating dialogue among the warring parties, who may be seeking help to engage in negotiations. Thus, India can take proactive steps by appointing a special envoy to consult with various stakeholders, understand their positions, and propose negotiation venues within its borders.
The argument that India should wait for greater power before mediating in global conflicts is misguided. India’s GDP significantly surpasses that of other mediators in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, indicating that it possesses the necessary political will and opportunity for intervention. Given its historical experiences with third-party mediation, India has ample reason to facilitate peace processes in global conflicts.
In conclusion, India’s potential role as a mediator in the Ukraine-Russia war presents a strategic opportunity that should not be overlooked. With favorable timing, a unique position of acceptability among key players, and the prospect of national interest gains, India stands at a critical juncture. By appointing a special envoy and proposing mediation, India can enhance its global standing while contributing to the resolution of this complex conflict. The time has indeed come for India to assert its influence in international peacemaking efforts.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
