India’s role in peacemaking in Ukraine

Ajit Doval’s recent visit to Russia comes at a pivotal time as the Ukraine-Russia war enters its third year, with India’s role in peacemaking becoming a key topic of discussion. As the conflict continues, Russian President Vladimir Putin has welcomed and appreciated peacemaking proposals from countries such as Brazil, China, and India. Simultaneously, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also advocated for the involvement of the Global South in peace efforts, believing that these countries can play a pivotal role in addressing the conflict and advancing toward a peaceful solution.  

Hungary’s Role in Current Peace Efforts

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s recent peace initiatives are among the most significant to date. His efforts included high-level meetings with key stakeholders in the conflict, such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and even former U.S. President Donald Trump. 

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PM Orban’s Three Points on the Ukraine Conflict

• Ongoing Fighting Before Peace: Orban predicts that there will be more fighting before any meaningful peace talks can take place. Both Russia and Ukraine are pushing to acquire more territory before winter, which will make ground battles difficult. Russia is making steady progress in eastern Ukraine, while Kyiv is sustaining its offensive in Russia’s Kursk region.
• Influence of Major Powers:  Orban highlights the pivotal roles of the United States, China, and the European Union (EU) in shaping the conflict’s dynamics. According to Orban, Ukraine aligns with the U.S. and the EU, while Russia maintains closer ties with China. These three major players hold significant influence over the conflict’s trajectory and the potential path to peace. China remains reluctant to engage deeply in peace diplomacy unless the chances for peace improve. 
• Division in the European Union: Orban highlights the growing division within the EU regarding how to handle the Ukraine war. Despite the EU’s official stance of defending Ukraine “whatever it takes,” there is a growing “peace party” across Europe. This includes political resistance to the ongoing support for Ukraine, influenced by financial difficulties and competing demands for resources. Some factions on both the extreme left and right are advocating for reconciliation with Russia, even supporting territorial concessions by Ukraine.
  1. Role of U.S.A in Peace Process: The United States remains the most influential actor in the Ukraine conflict, holding the key to establishing peace. Both Russia and Ukraine are trying to capture more territory while awaiting the outcome of the U.S. elections.

Conclusion

With every major conflict, the global balance of power shifts. Dominant powers decline, and new opportunities and challenges arise. As such, India must be prepared to protect its national interests in this evolving geopolitical landscape. The changing international order following the Ukraine war requires India to adopt a proactive approach in securing its place within the new global framework. India’s involvement in the Ukraine peace process must prioritize safeguarding its national interests while navigating complex global dynamics. By strategically engaging with key stakeholders, India can contribute to a lasting resolution while securing its place in the evolving international order.  

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