BRICS meet in Moscow: NSA Doval heads to Russia as global efforts for mediation intensify

BRICS meet in Moscow: National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval is set to visit Russia on September 10-11 amidst growing global calls for India to play a more prominent role in mediating the ongoing Ukraine conflict. This visit follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diplomatic efforts in both Moscow and Kyiv, where he emphasised India's readiness to contribute to peace efforts.

Doval will attend a BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) national security advisers' conclave in Moscow. The gathering comes at a critical moment as there is increasing momentum for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. His trip is expected to focus on advancing India's potential role as a mediator, which could involve laying the groundwork for further negotiations between the two warring nations. Sources indicate that India is awaiting signals from both Moscow and Kyiv regarding mediation efforts.

This development follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's remarks during his meeting with Indian media on August 23, where he expressed his desire for India to support Ukraine, rather than maintain a balanced stance between Kyiv and Moscow. Zelenskyy emphasised that India’s involvement in the conflict would be crucial for peace efforts. During his visit to Kyiv, Modi reiterated that both Russia and Ukraine should urgently engage in dialogue to end the conflict, asserting that India is ready to play an "active role" in restoring peace.

Modi assured Zelenskyy that India has never been a "neutral bystander" but has always supported peace. Doval is expected to build on this commitment by holding talks with his Russian counterpart during the upcoming visit, likely focusing on finding a peaceful resolution to the war.

India’s potential mediating role has garnered attention from other global leaders as well. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recently voiced support for India and China to help mediate a solution following her talks with Zelenskyy. Additionally, Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a panel discussion at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, suggested that countries like India, Brazil, and China could act as intermediaries to resolve the conflict.

Putin highlighted India’s strong and trusted relationships with both Russia and Ukraine, noting that these countries could offer meaningful support in facilitating dialogue. His comments followed a question on the potential mediators who could help broker peace between Russia and Ukraine.

Modi’s diplomatic outreach, including his nine-hour visit to Ukraine on August 23—the first by an Indian Prime Minister since Ukraine's independence in 1991—underscored India’s active role in seeking peace. This visit came just six weeks after his summit talks with President Putin in Moscow.

India has consistently maintained that the Ukraine conflict should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, and Doval’s visit signals India’s continued engagement in pursuing peace in the region.