Media: Zelenskyy looks to Modi as key mediator for peace in Russia-Ukraine conflict

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has identified Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a key mediator in achieving peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

During their meeting on September 23 evening in New York, the two leaders engaged in discussions aimed at exploring potential pathways to a peace agreement, Caliber.Az reports via Politico.

A senior Ukrainian official, who spoke anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the discussions, indicated that Ukraine is pinning its hopes on India as the primary player in securing a viable peace deal.

The official stated, “Modi was clear in summertime discussions with Kyiv that — while Ukraine would inevitably need to compromise on some things to end Moscow's onslaught — any proposals to end the war should not include giving up territory to Russia.”

Modi's stance on the conflict has evolved notably in recent months. Following his July visit to Moscow, where he was seen embracing Russian President Vladimir Putin on the same day a Russian missile strike resulted in multiple casualties in Ukraine.

Zelenskyy described the embrace as “a huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts.”

Despite this, Ukraine now views India, the world's most populous nation, as an ideal neutral party for negotiations with the Kremlin.

While India has not publicly condemned Russia’s actions, it has consistently advocated for respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as a cessation of hostilities. After his controversial trip to Moscow, Modi visited Kyiv, where he pledged to be “a friend” to Ukraine and assist in the pursuit of a peace deal.

Experts suggest that India may be uniquely positioned as a neutral mediator, especially given that other countries, such as Switzerland and Austria, have aligned themselves with the EU in imposing sanctions against Russia.

Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has emphasized India’s potential role in facilitating peace talks, stating, “We are a country which can openly speak with the Russians about this [Ukrainian] problem.”

Putin echoed this sentiment, expressing trust in India, alongside China and Brazil, to mediate with Ukraine. Jaishankar has previously indicated that India is “concerned and engaged” in finding a resolution, revealing that “suggestions have been made” for India to host its own peace summit, which would necessarily include Russian participation.

Despite Zelenskyy’s firm rejection of any proposals requiring territorial concessions, there remains a sense of hope in Kyiv for India’s increased involvement in the peace process.

Heorhii Tykhyi, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, remarked, “I can say that India is a reliable partner for Ukraine and it is a global force that can influence the dynamics and the course of events in the world. And we want to see India’s participation in the peace formula process as India can make a difference.”

By Khagan Isayev