India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval will reportedly visit Moscow for talks on a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine war, highlighting India’s growing role as a mediator in the long-running conflict that has been going on for the past two-and-a-half years and has had significant ramifications globally.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been actively involved in peace efforts, having recently visited both Russia and Ukraine. During his visit to Russia this July, PM Modi reiterated to President Vladimir Putin that “this is not an era of war.” A month later, the Prime Minister met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, reaffirming India’s commitment to peace.
Later, in a phone call with President Putin on August 27, the two leaders reportedly discussed India’s role in mediating peace. According to this phone call, the leaders discussed sending India’s NSA to Moscow to explore ideas for achieving lasting peace in Ukraine, CNN-News18 reported citing sources.
While the exact timing of Doval’s visit to Russia is not yet confirmed, it underlines India’s active involvement in seeking a solution to the conflict. PM Modi’s diplomatic efforts also include discussions with US President Joe Biden, further highlighting India’s central role in international peace initiatives.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reiterated this sentiment at the Ambrosetti Forum in Cernobbio, northern Italy, on September 7, where she also held a meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky. She highlighted India’s growing influence in global diplomacy and stressed the importance of key countries like India and China in addressing the crisis in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Russian and Ukrainian negotiators held initial discussions in Istanbul at the start of the war, but these talks did not lead to progress. The situation on the ground remains dire, with rhetoric escalating and new fronts opening. According to The New York Times, estimates suggest the conflict has resulted in around 500,000 casualties, including both dead and wounded.
US officials have suggested Russian casualties could be as high as 300,000, including 120,000 deaths, although Moscow is believed to be underreporting these figures. Ukrainian losses are estimated at 70,000 killed and between 100,000 and 120,000 wounded.