Jaishankar and Lavrov Discuss Peace Efforts As Modi Engages With Zelensky

In a significant diplomatic move, India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday. This meeting follows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, aimed at facilitating peace negotiations in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

Following the meeting at the Russian Mission, EAM Jaishankar took to social media platform X, stating, “Discussed our bilateral cooperation and regional issues.” This reflects India’s ongoing commitment to engaging both Russia and Ukraine in peace efforts.

On Tuesday, during an event at the Asia Society, EAM Jaishankar revealed India’s intentions to mediate between the two nations. He emphasized, “We have been engaging both the Russian government and the Ukrainian government… to see whether there is something we can do which would hasten the end of the conflict and initiate some kind of serious negotiation.” Jaishankar noted that both sides appeared to appreciate India’s role in these discussions.

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Historically, India has maintained close diplomatic ties with Moscow, but it is now adopting a more independent stance, which allows it to serve as a potential conduit for peace talks. This shift is seen as part of India’s broader strategy to balance its relationships with both Western nations and Russia.

During his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, President Zelensky highlighted his recent meeting with PM Modi. The Ukrainian leader had previously invited India to host a “second peace summit to end the war” during a Security Council meeting.

The discussions between Modi and Zelensky, which marked their second meeting within a month, prominently featured the “way forward on pursuing a path to peace,” according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs. PM Modi reaffirmed India’s “clear, consistent, and constructive approach” to resolving the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.

When he visited Ukraine last month, PM Modi expressed a willingness to play a mediating role, stating, “Personally, as a friend, if there is any role that I can play, I would very much like to play that role toward peace.” Following his return to India, Modi held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which they exchanged views on the conflict.

Earlier this month, India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval also traveled to meet with Putin, reportedly to brief him on Modi’s visit to Kyiv. This follows Modi’s visit to Moscow just a month prior.

While India continues to rely heavily on Russia for defense supplies and maintains its import of Russian oil and petroleum products, reports from Reuters indicate that Indian-made munitions are reportedly reaching Ukraine through third-party countries in Europe. This highlights the complex dynamics of India’s position in the ongoing conflict.