Zelenskiy Proposes Indian Summit to Advance Peace Talks with Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has proposed holding a high-stakes summit in India aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with Russia. This proposal emerged during a recent visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kyiv, where Zelenskiy and Modi discussed potential strategies for peace.
The proposed summit would be a follow-up to a June meeting in Switzerland, which sought to rally support from nations of the Global South for Ukraine's efforts. This meeting is envisioned as a crucial step before the upcoming U.S. presidential election in November, as Zelenskiy seeks to build a broader coalition of support for Ukraine’s 10-point peace plan. The plan includes key demands such as the withdrawal of Russian forces and the establishment of a framework for negotiations.
India, which has been cautious about supporting Ukraine’s peace initiative due to its exclusion of Russia, might play a pivotal role in this new diplomatic effort. While Modi has shown support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, he has yet to commit to hosting the proposed summit. India's Ministry of External Affairs has not provided a response to the proposal as of now.
The urgency of the situation has heightened following recent developments on the battlefield. Russian forces have made significant advances in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, and Ukraine's military has conducted a surprising incursion into Russia’s Kursk region. These actions underscore the escalating nature of the conflict, which began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Zelenskiy’s spokesman, Serhiy Nykyforov, has indicated that Ukraine is particularly interested in holding the summit in a Global South country like India. However, for the summit to be effective, Russia must be involved in the discussions, a point that has been a sticking point in previous negotiations. Despite Ukraine’s openness to including Russia, the Kremlin has consistently shown reluctance to engage with Kyiv’s proposals.
The June summit hosted by Switzerland, which attracted over 100 countries and organizations, fell short of achieving its goals. Notably, China did not attend, and India, along with other key nations, declined to sign the final communiqué. This communiqué had been narrowed to focus on specific issues, such as nuclear and food safety, and the return of abducted children and prisoners, to garner broader support.
India’s skepticism towards Ukraine's initiative is partly due to the exclusion of Russia, which remains a significant concern for Indian officials. Modi's visit to Kyiv marked the first time an Indian prime minister visited Ukraine since its independence in 1991. Despite offering direct support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, Modi reiterated his belief that a diplomatic resolution remains the only viable path to peace.
India has maintained its political and economic ties with Russia, which supplies India with affordable oil and military equipment. Modi’s recent trip to Moscow and his discussions with President Vladimir Putin, coupled with his public statements on the need for peace, underscore India's complex balancing act in the ongoing conflict.
As the situation evolves, the prospects for a summit involving Russia remain uncertain. The recent escalation, including a significant Russian aerial attack on Ukraine’s infrastructure, highlights the challenges faced by Zelenskiy in pursuing a diplomatic resolution. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces are grappling with the ongoing threat in the east, particularly around the critical city of Pokrovsk.
Zelenskiy plans to present his “victory plan” to U.S. President Joe Biden and presidential candidates next month, aiming to strengthen international support for Ukraine. Despite the setbacks, Ukraine continues to seek a resolution through both military and diplomatic channels.
In summary, while the proposal for an Indian summit represents a significant diplomatic effort, the path to peace remains fraught with challenges as both sides continue their aggressive maneuvers.
