Days After Modi's Ukraine Visit, Putin Names India, China, and Brazil as Potential Mediators in Peace Talks

New Delhi:In the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Kyiv, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested on Thursday that China, India, and Brazil could play significant roles as mediators in potential peace talks concerning the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Putin’s remarks, made at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok, underscore his respect for these BRICS nations, whom he believes are sincerely invested in resolving the conflict.

Putin highlighted that a preliminary agreement reached between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators in Istanbul during the early weeks of the war, though never implemented, could serve as a foundation for future discussions. His comments come as Russia prepares to host the BRICS summit in Kazan from October 22-24, where Prime Minister Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva are expected to attend.

Putin emphasized that while Turkey-mediated talks could provide a basis for negotiations, the Swiss-led peace summit—which Russia did not attend—would not be considered. India’s decision to abstain from signing the joint communique at the Swiss summit, due to Moscow’s absence, reflects the complexity of international diplomacy in this context.

In his remarks, Putin also suggested that if Ukraine is willing to negotiate, he is open to discussions. This statement follows Modi’s visit to Ukraine on August 23, where the Indian Prime Minister urged both Russia and Ukraine to engage directly to end the ongoing conflict. Modi also conveyed India’s readiness to play an “active role” in restoring peace.

Following his Ukraine visit, Modi discussed the situation with US President Joe Biden on August 26 and with Putin on August 27. According to the Kremlin, Putin provided a comprehensive assessment of the conflict and outlined key Russian perspectives on resolution strategies. Modi, in his subsequent communication with Putin, reiterated India’s commitment to an early and peaceful resolution of the conflict, emphasizing the potential for India to leverage its diplomatic relationships and influence in the international arena.