India Rules Out Mediation But Offers To Facilitate Messages Ahead Of Modi's Kyiv Visit - Here's Why

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Kyiv this week, it has been clarified by India that any role in mediating between Russia and Ukraine has been ruled out, though assistance in passing messages between the two countries has been offered, according to sources familiar with the matter.

It was indicated by the Indian side that instead of mediation, messages could be passed between the two parties.

Photo Credit: PTI

India Rules Out Mediation To Ukraine - Here's Why

This visit, scheduled for August 23, will mark the first visit by a senior Indian leader to Ukraine since the onset of Russia's invasion in February 2022, and the first visit by an Indian prime minister since Ukraine gained independence in 1991. In a recent phone call with India's national security adviser, Andriy Yermak, the chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, suggested that Modi could potentially play a significant role in achieving peace in Ukraine.

However, it was made clear by the Indian side that direct mediation between the warring countries would not be undertaken, as per the sources who preferred to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the diplomatic discussions.

Despite this, it was reiterated that India would be willing to pass messages between Russia and Ukraine. This stance was corroborated by a Western diplomat who was briefed on the discussions, stating under the condition of anonymity that India had declined to mediate but had agreed to facilitate communication. Another Western diplomat shared a similar account of the discussions.

No official statement was issued by Indian authorities regarding this matter, as reported by Hindustan Times.

India's position on Russia's actions in Ukraine has consistently avoided public censure, as evidenced by its voting pattern at the United Nations, where India has either voted against or abstained from most Ukraine-related resolutions. New Delhi has maintained that dialogue and diplomacy are the preferred approaches to resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict and has expressed support for all efforts aimed at finding a lasting solution.

During a meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow last month for the annual India-Russia Summit, Modi emphasized that a resolution to the conflict could not be achieved on the battlefield and that negotiations would not succeed under the shadow of violence, as reported by Hindustan Times.

India's reluctance to take any position that could be perceived as antagonistic towards Russia stems from its reliance on Russia, which supplies nearly 60% of India's military arsenal and has become one of the leading suppliers of crude oil to India following Western sanctions on Russia after the invasion of Ukraine.

However, efforts have been made by the Ukrainian side to encourage India to take on a more significant role in ongoing peace efforts due to its close relationship with Russia, according to sources.

India's involvement in passing messages on critical issues between Russia and Ukraine has been acknowledged by external affairs minister S. Jaishankar on multiple occasions. In various media briefings and interviews, Jaishankar has stated that India has played a role in facilitating communication on matters such as the Black Sea grain deal and the security of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

"We have... been the country that has had the opportunity to speak frankly and bluntly to the Russians on this issue [Russia-Ukraine conflict]. Others have also used us to pass messages," Jaishankar remarked during an interaction with the Indian community in Malaysia on March 27.

During a media briefing in September 2023, Jaishankar noted that India had contributed to "some bridging of viewpoints and concerns" between Turkey and Russia regarding the creation of the Black Sea grain corridor. This corridor allowed Ukraine to export wheat and other goods until Russia withdrew from the deal in July 2023, as per media reports.

In February, it was mentioned by Jaishankar that India had played a role in addressing Ukraine's concerns about the safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant by passing messages to Russia and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). After concerns were raised by the Ukrainian prime minister about the plant's safety, Jaishankar consulted with Modi, who approved engagement with the Russians and the IAEA to relay important messages.