India’s Steady Hand in a Turbulent World

12/08/2025

In a world increasingly divided by war and geopolitics, India continues to chart an independent and principled path - one that emphasizes dialogue, diplomacy, and development over destruction. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirms this position, reinforcing India's commitment to making every possible contribution toward a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.This dialogue, which comes on the heels of Modi's earlier conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, exemplifies India's balanced diplomatic approach. By maintaining open lines of communication with both Kyiv and Moscow, New Delhi positions itself as a credible and constructive global actor - one of the few major powers that can talk to all sides without prejudice.
India's messaging has remained consistent since the outbreak of the war in February 2022: respect for territorial integrity, cessation of violence, and resolution through dialogue. Modi's reiteration of this stance to President Zelenskyy - just days before the planned US-Russia summit in Alaska - underscores India's quiet but persistent diplomacy on the global stage. Notably, Zelenskyy acknowledged Modi's support for peace efforts, though he subtly raised concerns about India's continued purchase of Russian oil. While Ukraine and some Western nations view these transactions as enabling Russia's war effort, India has defended its energy policy as a sovereign economic decision, prioritizing the needs of its 1.4 billion citizens amid volatile global energy markets.
Herein lies the nuance of India's foreign policy. While pursuing strategic autonomy and energy security, New Delhi has not turned a blind eye to the human cost of war. Instead, it seeks a pragmatic balance - one that does not alienate any party but nudges all toward the negotiating table.India's historical alignment with the Global South, combined with its growing economic and geopolitical stature, gives it a unique moral and strategic space to act as a peace broker. The world must recognize that peace cannot be imposed by force or sanctions alone; it must be cultivated through trust, inclusivity, and sustained dialogue - values that India continues to champion.
As the US and Russia prepare to engage in critical dialogue, India's voice adds moral weight and diplomatic encouragement to global peace efforts. It is not about choosing sides in a polarized world, but about choosing the side of peace - a principle that remains as vital as ever in today's fractured international order.India must now deepen its engagement, possibly leveraging multilateral forums such as the G20, BRICS, and the UN to foster consensus on conflict resolution. Prime Minister Modi's call is a reminder that peace is not a passive hope but an active pursuit - one that India remains ready and willing to lead.

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