India's NSA Doval Heads to Moscow Amid Calls for Peace Mediation

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is set to visit Moscow this week, a trip that comes at a crucial time as India faces growing calls to play a mediating role in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Doval's visit, scheduled for September 10-11, is primarily to attend a meeting of national security advisers from BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa).

This diplomatic engagement follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent high-profile visits to both Moscow and Kyiv, which have sparked international interest in India's potential to bridge the gap between Russia and Ukraine. Modi's trip to Ukraine on August 23 marked the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country since its independence in 1991.

During his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Modi emphasized the need for both Ukraine and Russia to engage in dialogue without delay. He stated that India was prepared to take an "active role" in restoring peace to the region. Modi assured Zelenskyy that India has never been a neutral bystander in the conflict but has consistently stood on the side of peace. 

The international community has taken note of India's diplomatic efforts. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recently suggested that India, along with China, could play a significant role in finding a solution to the prolonged conflict. This echoes similar sentiments expressed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who named India, Brazil, and China as potential intermediaries during a panel discussion at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok.

Putin's remarks highlight the growing recognition of India's diplomatic weight on the global stage. "First of all, it is the People's Republic of China, Brazil and India — I am in contact with my partners and I have no doubt that the leaders of these countries, and we have relations of trust and confidence with one another, will be really interested and provide a helping hand," Putin stated.

Doval's upcoming visit to Moscow is expected to include talks with his Russian counterpart, focusing on potential avenues for peace in the region. Sources suggest that Doval may lay the groundwork for further mediation efforts, although India is likely to await clear signals from both Russia and Ukraine before taking any concrete steps.

The timing of Doval's visit is particularly significant, coming just weeks before Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to attend the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, in October. This series of high-level engagements underscores India's growing diplomatic influence and its potential to play a pivotal role in resolving one of the most pressing international conflicts of our time.

As the world watches closely, India's balanced approach — maintaining relationships with both Russia and Ukraine while advocating for peace — could prove crucial in bringing the conflicting parties to the negotiating table. The outcomes of Doval's Moscow visit and the subsequent BRICS summit may provide important indicators of India's evolving role in global diplomacy and conflict resolution.