Moscow-Kyiv to Delhi, connect the dots

India finds itself at the center of diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Key figures such as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have engaged in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging the cessation of hostilities. Jaishankar also visited Kyiv, where he expressed gratitude to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for India's commitment to ending the war.

India's role in the peace process is seen as crucial. The country's access to both Moscow and Kyiv provides an ideal platform to push for a negotiated settlement. As the United States navigates its commitments to conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, India's involvement could prove invaluable. Even as the fighting persists, communication channels remain open between Washington and Moscow, with US negotiators meeting Putin recently.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe reportedly visited Moscow recently to discuss a potential deal with the Kremlin.

Despite these diplomatic endeavors, the strategic situation remains unchanged. The United States continues to supply Ukraine with intelligence to target Russian assets, while Russia provides Iran with intelligence on the Gulf. Neither Ukraine nor Russia appears willing to relent in the face of escalating hostilities. Russia has ramped up its drone and missile strikes on Ukraine, while Ukraine has targeted Russian energy infrastructure, causing significant disruption.

In response, Moscow has turned to India for petroleum imports, given the fuel restrictions imposed by Western nations. Europe is also grappling with the threat of sabotage, with several incidents being investigated as potentially linked to Russian actions. The risk of the war spilling into European soil is a major concern. To mitigate this risk, it is imperative to bring Moscow and Kyiv back to the negotiating table and establish a basis for a ceasefire.

Protecting energy and civilian infrastructure, as well as maritime routes in the Black Sea, could serve as initial steps. New Delhi should leverage the upcoming BRICS summit, where Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to attend, to advocate for collective confidence-building measures.