Recently, the Summit on Peace in Ukraine titled “Path to Peace Summit” was held in Switzerland.
About Peace Summit
Objective: To develop a common understanding of a path towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
India's Representation: The Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs attended the summit.
India's participation aligns with its consistent approach to facilitating a peaceful resolutionthrough dialogue and diplomacy.
India abstained from signing the joint communique released at the summit, advocating for practical engagement through dialogue between the conflicting parties.
Why is Global Peacemaking in India’s interest?
Contemporary shocks across the globe: Issues like wars in Ukraine and Gaza and the threat of conflict around Taiwan have global impacts, such as trade disruptions, inflation, energy crises, food insecurity, supply chain disruptions etc.
Global impact of wars like, could derail its vision of becoming a developed economy by 2047.
Ineffective UN System: The United Nations Security Council has traditionally been responsible for global peacemaking, but its credibility has diminished due to the active involvement of the permanent members in current global conflicts.
Potential Global player: Success in mediating peace can improve India’s stature in the international arena and help fulfil its aspirations to play the role of a net security provider.
External security: India also has a direct interest in de-escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula, given the alleged connections between Pakistan's nuclear weapons program and North Korea's ballistic missile program.
India’s Contributions/Potential to promoting International Peace
Voice of the Global South: India acts as a bridge between Global South and North, clearly evident from its efforts to include African Union (AU) into G20, amplifying southern voices.
Non-Alignment Movement (NAM): Established India as a neutral mediator during the Cold War.
E.g., India helped Austria to become free from the Soviet occupation in 1953 utilising India’s neutral and diplomatic tools with Soviet Union.
Conflict Resolution Experience: India’s experience in addressing both internal and regional conflicts, positions it as a potential peacemaker.
Examples: India’s role in stabilizing Afghanistan, mediating the Sri Lankan civil conflict, and resolving domestic issues in Mizoram demonstrates its capacity for effective conflict resolution capabilities.
Growing influence in emerging global order: India’s healthy bilateral relations with various nations have helped develop a positive image in international order.
E.g., Iran asked India to play peacemaker role to de-escalate tension with US, after killing of Iran military commander in 2020.
Peacebuilding through Development Partnership: E.g., in Africa and Afghanistan through ITEC Programmes, building infrastructure (such as Salma dam), etc.
Cultural Diplomacy: India’s civilisational ethos is widely recognised and respected and the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ resonate globally, promoting harmony.
Multialignment: India's potential as a bridging power stems from its longstanding commitment to engaging all major poles of influence (Russia, USA, Israel, Iran, Japan) in the international system.
Active participant in UN peacekeeping: India's active participation in multilateral forums like the United Nations Peacekeeping underscores its commitment to global peace and cooperation. (refer to the infographic)
India’s peacemaking role in Ukraine-Russia War
Humanitarian aid: India had provided several consignments of humanitarian assistance to Ukraine comprising of essential medicines, medical equipment etc.
Diplomatic balancing act: India’s non-aligned position and well-established diplomatic relationships with Ukraine and Russia provide it with a solid foundation to spearhead advocacy for peace in the region.
While India has not explicitly condemned the Russian invasion, it has called for an international probe into the Bucha massacre and expressed concern over nuclear threats issued by Russia.
Mediator: India’s ability to speak to Russia as a trusted partner means it is uniquely positioned to play a mediator in the on-going conflict.
Barriers to India’s leadership in global peace-making efforts
Regional Conflicts: Persistent tensions with neighbouring Pakistan and unresolved border disputes with China can limit India’s ability to be perceived as an impartial peacemaker.
Domestic Challenges: Internal issues such as internal conflicts, insurgencies, and political instability detract from India's ability to project itself as a model for peace.
For instance, UN raised alarms on human rights violations in Indian state of Manipur.
Resource Constraints: Due attention and investment needed for domestic development challenges like poverty and infrastructure deficits.
Geopolitical Alignments: India's strategic partnerships, particularly with the United States and its involvement in the Quad, may be perceived as aligning with Western interests, potentially undermining its neutrality in certain global conflicts.
Diplomatic Capacity: Compared to established global powers like USA and UK, India’s diplomatic network and influence are relatively limited, affecting its capacity to mediate complex international disputes effectively.
Passive involvement: India’s involvement in Russia-Ukraine has largely been passive, whereas China proposed a set of principles for ending the conflict in Ukraine.
Way Forward
India's Role as Vishwabandhu (the world’s friend): India must adopt a more proactive stance in global peacemaking.
Partnerships: India can contribute more to peace-making efforts, alongside like-minded nations powers (like South Africa, Brazil, Indonesia etc) and traditional Western peacemakers (Switzerland, Norway, etc.)
Capacity building: Form peace teams within the Ministry of External Affairs and think tanks to study global conflicts and develop resolution strategies similar to Norway's peace unit in Oslo.
Related News
Manama Declaration
Declaration, adopted by the Arab League, called for deployingUN Peacekeepers (UNPK) in occupied Palestinian territory until a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict is implemented.
Arab League was founded in 1945 to promote regional cooperation and resolve disputes. It consists of countries from Middle East and North Africa.
