Opinion: If anyone can end the Russia-Ukraine war, it is only Modi! India should fulfill its responsibility

Author: Peter Mandelson
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Ukraine is a historic opportunity for India to move forward, build on its non-alignment legacy and become a global peacemaker. For the past two years, India and the West have been at odds over how to deal with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The US, UK and EU have repeatedly called on India to condemn Russia and join Western sanctions. India, on the other hand, is keen to maintain its security and economic ties with Russia. India will essentially defend its national interests. In the long run, it may have been more sensible for New Delhi not to take too strong a stance on a distant conflict. I have often heard friends in India explain that the West rarely invests heavily in resolving conflicts in the Global South, so why should the Global South get involved in resolving conflicts in the West? Two and a half years after the start of the massive Russian invasion of Ukraine, three major changes have taken place that could have an impact on India’s position and lead the government to define the national interest differently. First of all, it is now clear that this is not a war between Russia and the West, despite what Moscow is claiming. This war is, in fact, a colonial war being waged by Russia on Ukraine. Moscow cannot accept the idea that the territory it once conquered, ruled and coerced should have the right to exist as a free and independent state. One of Putin’s slogans during this year’s presidential elections was, ‘Russia’s borders never end.’ This reflects his/her imperial mindset.

Ukrainians want to live in a free, democratic and independent country, not under a foreign authoritarian system that Moscow wants to impose on them. India, which succeeded in gaining its independence from the British Empire, should understand this determination for freedom better than anyone else. The Global South in general and India in particular have a leading role to play in ensuring that imperialism and colonialism remain ideologies of the past.

The second change is that the relationship between Russia and China has now evolved into a proper, ‘no borders’ geopolitical and military alliance. It is supported by North Korea and Iran. These countries form a consolidated anti-democratic axis that is willing to ignore the rule of law, human rights and the sanctity of international borders. It is in India’s strategic and geopolitical interest to ensure that such an alliance does not dominate the global south and threaten India’s territorial integrity. As one of the world’s largest economies, India must now show leadership in promoting regional and global stability. With power comes responsibility.

Thirdly, Narendra Modi is one of the few political leaders in a position to mediate a peace deal between Moscow and Kiev. There is no doubt that the resolution of the conflict will be determined by the military situation on the ground, and we are still far from the moment when both sides will be willing to sit down at the same table to negotiate and ultimately reach a peace deal. But that time will come eventually, and it seems it is time to start building this bridge.

Because of their positions, the current political leaders of the West and China are not well placed to mediate a peace settlement. This leaves three possible global actors: Modi, Turkey’s Erdogan or a retired high-ranking politician specialising in mediation. Modi is certainly best placed because of India’s size and influence, as well as the trust and personal relationships he/she has built over time with international leaders. A resolution to this war would greatly benefit the world, and India too. It would propel the world’s largest democracy into a position of global influence.

Over the past decade, we have seen a sharp rise in India’s prosperity, international trade, and economic and cultural appeal. For the first time in modern history, India could even become a global peacemaker. This would undoubtedly be in India’s national interest. In any case, Modi famously and boldly said, “This is not an age of war. Rather, it is an age of dialogue and diplomacy.” It is time for India to work towards realising this vision. his/her visit to Ukraine could be the first step in this direction.

(The author is a British politician and has been an advisor to former PM Tony Blair)