Modi's Diplomatic Balancing Act: Is the US Sabotaging India's Peacemaking?

 

In the high-stakes world of international diplomacy, every move is a calculated risk, and Prime Minister Modi’s recent flurry of meetings is no exception. In June, Modi sat down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, a meeting that was followed by a face-to-face with Russian President Vladmir Putin in July. But the plot thickened on August 23, when Modi returned to Ukraine, this time with the formidable duo of S Jaishankar and Ajit Doval at his side. The presence of India’s top diplomat and its national security advisor signals that something big is brewing.

But what exactly is Modi up to? I believe India is trying to bridge the chasm between Ukraine and Russia. Both nations have been locked in a bitter standoff, with communication lines severed—thanks, in no small part, to the United States. Nancy Pelosi’s unflinching support for Ukraine has only deepened the divide, making the prospect of peace seem more distant than ever.

The US has been nudging India to play the role of mediator. But here’s the million-dollar question: does the US really want this war to end? The evidence tells a different story. The US has been pouring fuel on the fire by shipping $125 million worth of weapons to Ukraine, ensuring the conflict drags on. And that’s not all—the US is reportedly backing the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), a terrorist organisation wreaking havoc in Russia. The timing of these developments, coinciding with Modi’s visit to Ukraine, makes me suspect that America might be quietly sabotaging India’s peace efforts.

On the flip side, Ukraine seems desperate to bring the war to an end. Their leaders have been vocal about it, and who can blame them? The country is war-weary, and the human cost is staggering. And what about Russia? Look closer, and you’ll see that they, too, are ready to see the curtain fall on this tragic drama.

So, where does India fit into this geopolitical puzzle? I believe Jaishankar’s statements offer a clue: whatever Ukraine needs, India is ready to help. But let’s not kid ourselves—this is a game of patience. I don’t expect any dramatic breakthroughs right away, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Modi extends a quiet invitation to Putin and Zelensky for separate or perhaps even joint talks, maybe in Delhi or another neutral ground.

Yet, we must be realistic about the forces arrayed against peace. Chief among these is the US, whose actions could throw a wrench into any peace-making process India attempts. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and as I watch this diplomatic drama unfold, I can’t help but wonder: will the forces of peace triumph, or will the architects of conflict have the final say? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear—the world is watching India’s every move with bated breath.