In a significant development regarding the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, India has proposed a “comprehensive” and “broad” plan aimed at achieving peace for the first time since hostilities began in February 2022. This announcement was made by Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha during a press briefing in Kyiv on Friday.
The revelation follows comments from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who noted that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi frequently discusses the necessity of resolving the conflict and possesses “very good ideas” on the matter.
Sybiha stated, “We have four proposals, with India’s plan being the most extensive. For the first time, India has indicated its readiness to play an active role in this situation.” He went on to express Ukraine’s openness to a ceasefire focused on energy and agricultural issues in the Black Sea, while also contemplating an unconditional ceasefire along the front lines.
In addition to India’s proposal, Ukraine has received suggestions for a potential ceasefire from other nations, including Turkey, Egypt, and the United States. Sybiha emphasized that Ukraine would agree to a ceasefire only if it encompasses not just military engagements but also halts assaults on energy and port facilities, as well as addresses the dynamics in the Black Sea region.
The United States has also contributed its own proposal, advocating for a cessation of strikes against energy infrastructures by both Ukraine and Russia.
Sybiha expressed Ukraine’s willingness to explore a more comprehensive ceasefire that would directly impact the frontline. Meanwhile, Putin, during his annual foreign policy address at the Valdai Discussion Club, acknowledged Prime Minister Modi’s persistent inquiries about resolving the conflict. He remarked, “Prime Minister Modi is one of those world leaders who, despite our cordial relations, continually raises the question of ending the conflict in Ukraine… His interest and ideas are geared toward finding mutually acceptable solutions.” Putin expressed gratitude for Modi’s commitment to pursuing peaceful resolutions.
During a meeting on August 31, Modi urged Putin to transition from an “endless war” to an “end of war” during discussions held in Bishkek at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. Since 2022, Modi has consistently raised concerns about the ongoing conflict, previously stating, “This is not the era of war.” In a meeting in Moscow in July 2024, he reiterated that “peace talks do not succeed amid bombs, guns, and bullets,” emphasizing that a resolution cannot be achieved on the battlefield.
Shubhajit Roy, the Diplomatic Editor at The Indian Express, has over 27 years of journalistic experience. Having joined The Indian Express in 2003, he has spent nearly 19 years reporting on foreign affairs. Based in Delhi, he has also led the national government and political bureau of the newspaper. Roy has received the Ramnath Goenka Journalism Award for Excellence in Journalism in 2016, as well as a second award in 2023 for his coverage of the October 7 attacks in Israel and the ensuing Gaza conflict. Additionally, he was honored with the IIMCAA Award for Journalist of the Year in 2022 for his reporting on the fall of Kabul in August 2021, where he was among the few Indian journalists on the ground during the Taliban’s takeover.
