NSA Doval to visit Moscow for Russia-Ukraine peace talks: Reports
National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval will reportedly visit Russia this week to discuss peace efforts aimed at resolving the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The decision was made during a phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin weeks after the former visited both the warring countries and met their leaders. During the phone call, PM Modi informed Putin about his visit to Kyiv and stressed his commitment to bringing a political and diplomatic settlement for Ukraine.
Putin highlights potential mediators for Ukraine peace talks
At the recent Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Putin also signaled his willingness to engage in talks with Ukraine on the condition that these discussions be based on the Istanbul agreement from 2022. He stated, "Are we ready to negotiate with them? We have never refused to do so... but on the basis of those documents that were agreed and actually initiated in Istanbul." He also proposed China, India, and Brazil as potential mediators in future peace talks concerning Ukraine.
India's proactive engagement in Ukraine conflict resolution
The exact timing of Doval's visit to Russia is not yet confirmed, but it underscores India's proactive engagement in seeking a resolution to the conflict. After returning from his visit to Russia and Ukraine, PM Modi reiterated "India's firm commitment to support an early, abiding, and peaceful resolution of the conflict." Even before his trip, he emphasized India's commitment to peace, stating that "this is not an era of war" and that conflicts should be resolved via diplomacy and dialogue.
Ongoing conflict and casualties in Ukraine
Russian and Ukrainian negotiators held early discussions in Istanbul at the start of the war, but these talks did not lead to progress. "We have never refused to [negotiate], but not on the basis of some ephemeral demands, but on the basis of those documents that were agreed and actually initialled in Istanbul," Putin said. According to The New York Times, officials estimate the conflict has resulted in approximately 500,000 casualties, with Russian casualties as high as 300,000.
