India Steps Up To End Russia-Ukraine War As NSA Doval Set To Lead Peace Talks In Moscow

India is stepping up its efforts to find a path to peace amid the Russia-Ukraine war, as National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval is set to visit Moscow next week, where he will attend the BRICS NSA meeting and hold crucial talks on ending the conflict

Doval’s visit, slated for September 10-11, marks the beginning of India’s efforts to mediate a peaceful resolution to the deadly conflict that has raged for over two-and-a-half years. According to top government sources, the European Union has expressed a desire for India to play a prominent role in the peace process.

BRICS NSA-level talks

During the BRICS NSA-level talks, Doval will represent India and is also expected to meet with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. Russia has recently expressed its desire for India to play an important role in ending the war, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his desire to President Vladimir Putin during their meeting in July.

Despite India’s deep strategic interests in Russia, particularly in terms of buying oil and weapons, the government is not keen on being a direct mediator. But PM Modi’s Italian counterpart PM Giorgia Meloni and Putin have both urged him to work towards a peaceful resolution.

‘Not an era for war’

According to government sources, Doval is going to Moscow with a special message, signifying India’s growing role as a mediator in ending the war that has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. PM Modi has been at the forefront of peace efforts, visiting both Ukraine and Russia over the past couple of months and reiterating his message that “this is not an era for war.”

During his August visit to Kyiv, PM Modi met with President Volodymyr Zelensky and reaffirmed India’s commitment to peace. He also held a telephonic conversation with President Putin on August 27, during which the two leaders discussed India’s role in bringing about lasting peace in Ukraine.

The Russia-Ukraine negotiations that took place in Istanbul in the early weeks of the war failed to make any headway, and the situation on the ground remains bleak, with both sides escalating their rhetoric and opening new fronts. As India takes on a key role in the peace process, the world will be watching closely to see if Doval’s talks in Moscow can pave the way for a lasting peace.