India, China, Brazil could act as mediators in Russia-Ukraine peace talks, says Vladimir Putin

Moscow [Russia]: Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested that India, China, and Brazil could mediate potential peace talks over Ukraine, Reuters reported on Thursday. Putin mentioned that a preliminary agreement reached during negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, though never implemented, could serve as a basis for future talks.

Istanbul Agreement: The Forgotten Basis for Peace

The two nations held talks in Istanbul during the early weeks of the war in 2022. Despite reaching a preliminary agreement, the accord was never enforced. Putin now points to this as a potential starting point for future negotiations.

Conflict Ongoing Since February 2022

Russia and Ukraine have been engaged in a conflict since February 2022. India has consistently called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the situation peacefully.

PM Modi's Historic Visit to Ukraine

Earlier, on August 23, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ukraine, marking the first visit by an Indian PM to the European nation. During his bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, PM Modi stressed India's commitment to a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. "India was never neutral; we have always been on the side of peace," Modi told Zelenskyy, adding that India is ready to play an active role in the path to peace and progress.

Zelenskyy Confident in India’s Role

During PM Modi's visit, President Zelenskyy expressed confidence that India could play a crucial role in bringing peace to the region. Speaking to ANI in Kyiv, the Ukrainian President remarked, "India will play its role. I think that India has begun to recognize that this is not just a conflict; this is a real war led by one man, Putin, against an entire country, Ukraine. India is a big country with significant influence, and you can stop Putin, halt his economy, and put him in his place."

Modi’s Stance on Peace During Russia Visit

In July, PM Modi visited Russia for the first time since the war between Moscow and Kyiv began in 2022. During his meeting with President Putin, Modi emphasized that there is no military solution to the conflict. He reiterated that peace talks are unlikely to succeed amidst ongoing violence. "As a friend, I have always said that for the bright future of our coming generations, peace is of utmost importance. But I also know that solutions are not possible on battlegrounds," Modi said, underscoring the importance of dialogue for lasting peace.

Humanitarian Impact of the War

Modi further spoke about the humanitarian toll of the conflict during his talks with Putin. "Be it war, conflicts, or terror attacks, everyone who believes in humanity is pained when there is a loss of lives. It is heart-wrenching when innocent children die," Modi said. He emphasized that the impact of the war on children and civilians is a deep concern for India.

(With ANI inputs)