In a significant diplomatic move, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed India as one of the potential hosts for the second Ukraine peace summit. This proposal was made during a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a potential milestone in the ongoing global efforts to restore peace in Ukraine.
The inaugural peace summit, held in June near Lucerne, Switzerland, saw the participation of more than 90 countries and global institutions, all focused on finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict that has ravaged Ukraine.
Zelensky’s proposal for India to host the second peace summit underlines India’s growing influence in international affairs, particularly in the context of the Global South.
The Ukrainian President’s suggestion was made with a strong emphasis on India’s status as the world’s largest democracy and its potential to mediate and facilitate meaningful dialogue between conflicting parties.
India’s Role in the Global Peace Initiative
President Zelensky, at a recent media briefing, highlighted his belief that the second peace summit should take place in one of the Global South countries, and he mentioned India alongside other potential hosts like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Türkiye, and Switzerland.
The proposal reflects Zelensky’s recognition of India’s diplomatic stature and its ability to bring diverse nations to the negotiating table.
“We are very open to it. There are countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Türkiye, and Switzerland. We are currently talking to those countries about hosting the peace summit,” Zelensky said. He further added, “I told Prime Minister Modi that we could have the Global Peace Summit in India. It’s a big country, it’s a great democracy – the largest one.”
However, Zelensky also noted that the summit would not be possible in a country that did not join the communique of the last peace summit.
India’s attendance at the first summit was marked by its decision to refrain from associating itself with the communique that emerged from the deliberations, which called for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and peaceful resolution through talks.
India’s Stance on the Ukraine Conflict
India’s approach to the Ukraine conflict has been one of cautious diplomacy. While it participated in the first peace summit, New Delhi opted not to endorse the communique, signaling its desire to maintain a neutral stance and engage with all stakeholders involved. India’s emphasis has been on promoting dialogue and finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict, without directly aligning with either side.
During his discussions with President Zelensky, Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s commitment to peace and its readiness to play an “active role” in restoring stability in the region.
Modi emphasized the importance of direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, urging both nations to engage in talks without further delay.
“Both Ukraine and Russia should sit together without wasting time to end the ongoing war,” Modi conveyed to Zelensky, reflecting India’s belief in dialogue as the primary means to achieve a lasting solution.
Modi’s stance underscores India’s long-standing policy of non-interference and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations, a principle that India has consistently upheld in its international relations.
Global Support for Ukraine’s Sovereignty
The conclusion of the inaugural peace summit saw widespread international support for Ukraine’s “territorial integrity” and a call for continued dialogue among all parties to resolve the conflict.
The summit, which brought together dozens of countries, highlighted the global community’s commitment to peace and the rule of law.
Zelensky, in his interactions with Modi, stressed the importance of global respect for the UN Charter, which enshrines the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“India supports Ukraine’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and it is critical because everyone in the world must equally respect the UN Charter,” Zelensky stated.
India’s potential role in hosting the second Ukraine peace summit could further solidify its position as a key player in global diplomacy, particularly in facilitating peace processes.
The proposal by President Zelensky is not just an acknowledgment of India’s diplomatic capabilities but also an invitation for India to take a more prominent role in international conflict resolution.
As the world watches the unfolding events, India’s decision on hosting the summit could have far-reaching implications for its foreign policy and its relationships with both Ukraine and Russia.
The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining whether India will step forward to host the peace summit and how it will navigate the complex dynamics of international diplomacy to contribute to lasting peace in Ukraine.
