India’s World reached out to six Indian strategic thinkers for their views on whether India should mediate in the Russia-Ukraine war. This is what they had to say.
Lt. Gen (Retd.) Raj Shukla
Lieutenant General Raj Shukla is a retired Officer of the Indian Army and is currently a Member of the Union Public Service Commission.
Let us look at the proposition from the standpoints of ‘pragmatism’, ‘leverages’ and ‘priorities’. Given the whole chaos surrounding the Trumpian initiatives at brokering a swift end to the conflict, I don’t see what will be the salience of an Indian role. Who is inviting us in?
From the point of view of ‘leverages’ we do not have too many cards. Unlike the USA, which has incentives to offer, pressure points to apply, given the prevalent realities, ‘honest brokerage’ is not an offer that will be particularly utilitarian.
Given the grim security environment around India, we have higher priorities like the deterrence of China. In sum therefore, at this point, it may be wise to refrain. Our diplomatic capital may be put to better use in other endeavours.
Amb. Anil Trigunayat
Anil Trigunayat is a former Indian Diplomat, and was India’s ambassador to Indian Ambassador to Jordan, Libya & Malta.
The world, especially the Global South and the Middle East, expects India to take on its legitimate role of a benign power that follows a sane foreign policy underwritten by dialogue, diplomacy and respect for the UN charter. PM Modi has been engaged with President Putin, the Ukranian President, and world leaders regarding possibly ending this conflict. He even visited the two countries. I would not say that we can mediate but we can be interlocutors for peace. We could even host the final talks between leaders as India enjoys the trust of all sides. As Dr Jaishankar said, there will be costs, but a regional and global power will have to absorb them in its stride. I think it’s time to take the steps to help in peace making, knowing fully well that the USA is the only country that has the capacity to end these ongoing wars.’
