Putin Suggests India, China, Brazil Could Mediate Ukraine Peace Talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested that India, China, and Brazil could mediate peace talks over Ukraine. A preliminary agreement from Istanbul talks could serve as a basis. PM Modi emphasized India's stance for peaceful resolution. Ukraine's President Zelenskyy expressed confidence in India's role to bring peace.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday proposed that India, China, and Brazil could play roles in mediating potential peace talks over the Ukraine conflict, according to Reuters.

Putin referred to a preliminary agreement reached between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators during talks held in Istanbul, which was never implemented, as a possible foundation for future discussions. The nations initially engaged in these talks during the early weeks of the 2022 conflict.

Since February 2022, Russia and Ukraine have been in a state of conflict. India has consistently advocated for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the crisis. On August 23, PM Narendra Modi visited Ukraine, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the European nation. During a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, PM Modi reiterated India's commitment to peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.

"India has always been on the side of peace," PM Modi told Zelenskyy. He emphasized India's readiness to play an active role in the peace process. Zelenskyy expressed confidence that India could help bring peace to the war-torn region, acknowledging India's significant influence in halting Russian aggression.

In an interview with ANI in Kyiv, Zelenskyy stated, "India will play its role. This is not just a conflict; this is a real war led by Putin against Ukraine. India, with its considerable influence, can help stop Putin and neutralize his economy." This statement followed PM Modi's visit to Russia in July for talks with President Putin, his first visit since the onset of the war in 2022.

During the discussions in July, PM Modi stressed that battlefield solutions are ineffective and advocated for peace talks, saying, "Solutions are not possible on battlegrounds. Amid bombs, guns, and bullets, peace talks do not succeed. The path to peace must be pursued through dialogue." Modi also highlighted the humanitarian cost of the conflict, stating that all who believe in humanity feel immense pain when innocent lives, especially children, are lost.

"It is heart-wrenching when innocent children die. Everyone who believes in humanity is pained by the loss of lives due to war, conflicts, and terror attacks," PM Modi said, imploring for a peaceful resolution.

(With inputs from agencies.)