Ajit Doval In Moscow With Bold Ukraine Peace Proposal: S Jaishankar Says 'India Ready To Act!'

India has expressed its willingness to mediate in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval currently in Moscow to present a peace plan drafted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has reaffirmed India's readiness to offer advice and facilitate peace talks between the two nations, underscoring that the resolution of this conflict must ultimately occur through negotiations, not on the battlefield, as reported by NDTV.

Jaishankar's comments came during his address at the Annual Ambassadors' Conference hosted by the German Foreign Office in Berlin. His remarks follow a recent "useful conversation" with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, during the India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) foreign ministers' meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. As tensions continue to escalate in the war, Jaishankar made it clear that India believes the time will come when both Russia and Ukraine must come to the negotiating table.

Ajit Doval's Diplomatic Mission to Moscow

At the heart of India's efforts to mediate is Ajit Doval's visit to Moscow, where he is participating in a critical meeting of National Security Advisers. Sources reveal that Doval is carrying a peace plan proposed by Prime Minister Modi, which he is expected to share with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This initiative highlights India's active role in global diplomacy, particularly as it seeks to leverage its relationships with both Russia and Ukraine to foster peace, as reported by NDTV.

While the details of Modi's peace proposal are yet to be made public, India's commitment to helping end the conflict was emphasized during the Prime Minister's recent visit to Ukraine. In discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Modi reiterated that India is "ever ready" to take an active part in any effort aimed at restoring peace. Both Zelensky and Putin, who share warm personal ties with Modi, have welcomed him during recent visits, demonstrating India's unique diplomatic position.

A Unique Diplomatic Position

Prime Minister Modi is one of the few world leaders with amicable relations with both President Putin and President Zelensky, positioning India as a potential mediator in the conflict. During his visit to Russia, Modi famously told Putin that "this is not an era of war," urging a peaceful resolution. His balanced approach has earned India a seat at the table in global diplomatic efforts, even as other world powers struggle to engage with both sides.

Jaishankar, speaking on behalf of the Indian government, reinforced this sentiment, stating, "We don't think this conflict is going to be resolved on the battlefield. At some stage, there's going to be negotiation. When there is negotiation, the main parties-Russia and Ukraine-have to be at that table. If you want advice, we are always willing to give it."

Russia Acknowledges India's Role

Russia has also publicly acknowledged India's diplomatic efforts, with President Putin recently naming India as one of the three countries he is in regular contact with over the Ukraine conflict. In a statement reported by Russian news agency TASS, Putin noted that India, along with China and Brazil, has made sincere efforts to address the situation. He emphasized that he remains in close contact with Prime Minister Modi on the issue, a testament to India's growing influence in global peace negotiations.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also echoed these sentiments, telling the Russian newspaper *Izvestia* that India could play a vital role in facilitating dialogue between Russia and Ukraine. He highlighted the "highly constructive, even friendly relations" between Modi and Putin, noting that Modi's ability to communicate freely with both Putin and Zelensky, as well as the U.S., positions India as a key player in any potential negotiations, as per media reports.

"This gives a great opportunity for India to throw its weight in world affairs and use its influence to push for a greater political will among the participants of this conflict," Peskov said. He added that while there are currently "no specific plans" for Modi to mediate, India's involvement could help drive efforts toward a peaceful settlement.

India's Broader Diplomatic Engagement

While India's focus remains on fostering peace in the Russia-Ukraine war, Jaishankar also addressed other areas of Indian diplomacy during his Berlin visit. Notably, he discussed the growing role of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, commonly known as the Quad, which includes India, the United States, Australia, and Japan. Describing the Quad as a "successful experiment," Jaishankar underscored India's commitment to this strategic security platform.

In addition to the Quad, Jaishankar touched on India's complex relationship with China. While acknowledging that India is not "closed to business from China," he emphasized that the nature of trade and partnerships with Beijing must be carefully considered, particularly in terms of which sectors are involved and under what terms the deals are made, as per media reports.

A Balancing Act in Global Diplomacy

India's growing stature on the world stage, exemplified by its role in the Quad and its potential influence in resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, marks a significant moment in the country's diplomatic history. The Modi government's approach, balancing strong ties with both Russia and the West, has allowed India to emerge as a potential mediator in one of the most significant geopolitical conflicts of the 21st century.

As the war in Ukraine continues to impact global stability, India stands ready to offer its unique position and diplomatic expertise to help facilitate peace talks. Whether Russia and Ukraine will accept India's proposed plan remains uncertain, but India's willingness to advise and mediate shows its commitment to global peace efforts.