Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha election, the BJP released an ad highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s role in evacuating Indian students from Ukraine by negotiating a temporary halt in Russian shelling. This ad faced criticism from Congress and social media influencers. However, India’s diplomatic efforts to mediate between Russia and Ukraine are gaining momentum, moving beyond temporary ceasefires to potentially brokering a lasting peace.
Recent developments include PM Modi’s visit to Ukraine and subsequent discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is scheduled to visit Moscow on September 10 and 11 to meet with Putin and explore solutions to end the ongoing conflict, which has now lasted for three years and disrupted global supplies.
Following Doval’s visit, PM Modi will travel to the US to meet President Biden in Wilmington, Delaware, on September 21 as part of the Quad summit, as reported by Nikkei Asia. Additionally, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar will undertake a three-nation tour to Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, and Germany. Experts anticipate that the Ukraine-Russia war will be a significant topic of discussion during his meetings.
Foreign Affairs expert Robinder Sachdev noted that Jaishankar’s trip is likely to focus on the Ukraine-Russia conflict, reflecting India’s commitment to playing a role in resolving the ongoing war.