President Zelenskyy Proposes India to Host Second Ukraine Peace Summit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed India as a potential host for the second Ukraine peace summit. He conveyed this idea to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a recent interaction. The first peace summit took place in June at a resort near Lucerne, Switzerland, with over 90 countries and global institutions participating to promote peace in Ukraine.

At a media briefing, Zelenskyy expressed his belief that the second peace summit should be held in one of the Global South countries. He mentioned that countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Türkiye, and Switzerland are also being considered for hosting the event. "I told Prime Minister Modi that we could have the Global Peace Summit in India. It's a big country, it's a great democracy - the largest one," he said.

India's Role in Peace Efforts

Prime Minister Modi emphasised the need for Ukraine and Russia to engage in direct talks to resolve their conflict. He assured Zelenskyy of India's readiness to play an active role in restoring peace. Modi's visit to Ukraine, which lasted nearly nine hours, marked the first visit by an Indian prime minister since Ukraine's independence in 1991.

During their discussions, Modi reiterated India's commitment to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. "I want to assure you and the entire global community that India is committed towards respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and it is of utmost importance to us," he stated.

Global Support for Ukraine

The inaugural peace summit concluded with numerous countries supporting Ukraine's territorial integrity and calling for dialogue among all parties involved to find a lasting solution. However, Zelenskyy noted that the next summit could not be hosted by any country that did not join the communique from the previous summit. Although India attended the first summit, it did not associate itself with the communique.

New Delhi has maintained its stance on engaging with all stakeholders to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict. Zelenskyy highlighted India's support for Ukraine's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, stressing the importance of respecting the UN Charter globally.

Zelenskyy said, "As for the Peace Summit, I truly believe that the second Peace Summit has to take place. It would be good if it could be held in one of the Global South countries." He added that discussions are ongoing with several countries about hosting the event.

Modi's recent visit came six weeks after his summit talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which caused concern among some Western nations. Despite this, Modi conveyed a message of peace during his talks with Zelenskyy, reaffirming India's dedication to upholding international principles.

The proposal for India to host the second peace summit reflects Zelenskyy's recognition of India's significant role on the global stage. Hosting such an event would underscore India's commitment to promoting peace and stability in international conflicts.

The discussions between Modi and Zelenskyy underscore India's potential influence in mediating global conflicts. By proposing India as a host for the next peace summit, Zelenskyy acknowledges India's diplomatic capabilities and its position as a major democracy.

The ongoing dialogue about hosting locations indicates a collaborative approach towards achieving peace in Ukraine. The involvement of multiple countries highlights the international community's collective effort to address and resolve conflicts through diplomatic means.

The conclusion of this proposal marks another step towards finding a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The potential hosting of the second peace summit by India or another Global South country signifies a continued commitment to international cooperation and dialogue.