GOOD signs are available of improved prospects of peace between Russia and Ukraine, thanks to the role Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi is playing as a mediator acceptable to all sides. Handling the complicated process of mediation with aplomb, Mr. Narendra Modi moved to Poland and thence to Ukraine a few days ago trying to promote peace process and raising expectations of all sides that a negotiated settlement may be possible provided every side agrees at least to take a purposeful pause in hostility. And as an extension of that trip, Mr. Modi engaged United States President Mr. Joe Biden and Russian President Mr. Vladimir Putin to explain to the two leaders the details of the discussion he had with Ukrainian leader Mr. Zelenskyy. At this stage, some positive signs have appeared on the horizon that a dilution in hostilities may happen and prospects of peace may improve.

 

This is no mean an achievement in the current scenario -- with Mr. Modi as a peace-maker. Of course, there is no actual let up in military engagement in between Russia and Ukraine. The Russians have intensified their drone and missile attacks and the Ukrainians have responded with equal ferocity. Despite this, Mr. Zelenskyy urged Prime Minister Mr. Modi to insist upon Russia to halt their attacks. Naturally, the Russians, too, expect a similar initiative from Ukraine as well. In this situation, the leader who can help the most happens to be US President Mr. Joe Biden as a representative of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) interests. Hence Mr. Modi’s telephonic connect with Mr. Biden upon his return from Ukraine. Fortunately, Mr. Biden has openly recognised Mr. Modi’s contribution as the messenger of peace and humanitarian interest. Mr. Putin also has recognised the merit of Mr. Modi’s effort, thanks to the substance in his argument in favour of peace and settlement, and also to the long-standing friendship between Russia and India. Mr. Putin has recognised the strength in India’s friendship as Mr. Modi’s Government chose Russia over the world -- though without sacrificing the multiple Indian interests. These realities bring the world closer to a negotiated settlement of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. In the given moment of intense international tensions, therefore, the effort of Indian Prime Minister have their own importance. For, Mr. Modi’s efforts appear to have the world closer to the negotiating table. In the past, too, some such efforts were made by representatives of some other interests -- but did not produce any sensible outcome.

 

This time, the situation is quite different. It has raised hopes of peace in whatever manner. The path from here onwards may be arduous, so to say. Yet, the fact that everybody is sensing some prospects of peace -- no matter how slim -- is a good sign for an improved global order. It is important to note at this stage that the world is taking Mr. Narendra Modi and India seriously, something that the country did not have in the past in such abundance. India’s goodwill in the global community has improved tremendously over the past some years -- thanks to the delicate balance India has been able to achieve and maintain over time between various conflicting interests. This has become possible because India has been able to define its own interests very clearly and precisely -- which did not happen previously in such a manner. This is the direct impact of the clear-visioned leadership of Mr. Narendra Modi on various global issues vis-a-vis Indian interests. Of course, the road ahead towards peace between Russia and Ukraine is long and hard. Yet, India has been able to open the doors for good prospects to peep in