Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba expressed hope that India would participate in a peace summit organized by Switzerland this summer and contribute to engaging Russia in negotiations. Kuleba, currently visiting New Delhi at the invitation of Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, proposed that India could potentially be the first non-Western nation to endorse Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s 10-point peace proposal aimed at resolving the conflict stemming from Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
During discussions with Hindustan Times, Kuleba emphasized India’s potential to lead by openly supporting Zelenskyy’s peace formula, highlighting India’s influence, especially in the Global South, and its ability to persuade other nations to join the peace efforts. He stressed the importance of India’s support for legitimizing international initiatives and rallying other countries around the cause.
The peace summit, yet to have its dates confirmed by Switzerland, is expected to be a key topic of discussion between Kuleba and Indian officials. Apart from co-chairing the India-Ukraine inter-governmental commission and meeting with Deputy National Security Adviser Vikram Misri, Kuleba aims to address issues related to bilateral cooperation and mutual interests on regional and global matters.
India’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict has been characterized by a preference for dialogue and diplomacy over public condemnation of Russia’s actions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated this approach during phone conversations with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Zelenskyy, emphasizing India’s support for peaceful resolution efforts.
Acknowledging India’s longstanding relationship with Russia, Kuleba suggested that New Delhi could consider endorsing specific aspects of Zelenskyy’s peace formula, such as facilitating the return of children and prisoners of war and ensuring energy security. Zelenskyy’s proposal encompasses various measures aimed at safeguarding Ukraine’s rights, including the restoration of territorial integrity, withdrawal of Russian troops, and ensuring nuclear safety.
India’s involvement in discussions surrounding Zelenskyy’s peace formula has been consistent, with representation at multiple meetings since last year. While India has been represented by middle-ranking diplomats or the deputy national security adviser, the highest-ranking official to participate was National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, indicating India’s ongoing engagement with efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully.
