PM Modi Calls for Peace Talks Between Russia and Ukraine, Says War Won’t Resolve Conflict
Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Russia and Ukraine to engage in direct negotiations to end the three-year-long war, emphasizing that peace cannot be achieved on the battlefield but only through dialogue. His remarks came during an interview on Lex Fridman’s podcast, aired on Sunday evening.
“War is Not the Solution”: PM Modi
The Prime Minister, who has maintained strong ties with both Russia and Ukraine, stated that diplomatic engagement is the only path to resolution. He highlighted that while Ukraine continues to seek support from its allies, a lasting solution will only emerge when both Kyiv and Moscow come to the negotiation table.
“I have a close relationship with Russia and Ukraine alike. I can sit with President Putin and say that this is not the time for war, and I can also tell President Zelensky in a friendly way that, regardless of how many people stand with you in the world, there will never be a resolution on the battlefield,” Modi said.
An Opportunity for Peace Talks
PM Modi acknowledged that earlier efforts for peace were challenging, but he believes the current global scenario presents a unique opportunity for Ukraine and Russia to engage in meaningful discussions.
“Ukraine may hold countless discussions with its allies, but it will bear no fruit unless both sides participate. Initially, finding peace was difficult, but now is the right moment to work towards a meaningful resolution,” he added.
India’s Stand: “We Side with Peace”
Reiterating India’s position, PM Modi stressed that India does not take sides in the war but firmly stands for peace. He noted that the war has led to widespread suffering, particularly in the Global South, due to crises in food, fuel, and fertilizers.
“The global community must unite in pursuit of peace. As for me, I have always maintained that I stand with peace, not neutrality. I have a clear stance—peace is the only way forward,” the Prime Minister asserted.
Ukraine Seeks Western Support Amid Fallout with Trump
PM Modi’s call for peace talks comes at a crucial time, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been intensifying diplomatic efforts following his fallout with US President Donald Trump on February 28. Zelenskyy has since met UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other European leaders in London, where discussions focused on drafting a peace plan to present to the US.
Recent Ceasefire Talks in Saudi Arabia
Recently, Ukraine and the US held discussions in Saudi Arabia regarding an immediate 30-day ceasefire—a proposal that Zelenskyy supported. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has yet to agree, raising concerns over its implementation and whether Ukraine might use the ceasefire to regroup its forces.
Significance of PM Modi’s Proposal
With growing international efforts to end the war, PM Modi’s call for direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine adds significant weight to global peace initiatives. His appeal underscores India’s neutral yet proactive diplomatic stance, positioning the country as a potential mediator in the conflict.
As tensions persist, the world watches closely to see whether Russia and Ukraine will heed Modi’s advice and move towards a diplomatic resolution.
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