New Delhi. Geopolitical expert Fareed Zakaria has emphasized India’s potential role in international diplomacy, adding that mediating the Russia-Ukraine war is a “big opportunity for Prime Minister Modi to become a global statesman”.
In a conversation with Rajdeep Sardesai, Zakaria acknowledged that India traditionally remains neutral in foreign policy matters, but has the ability to play a “very viable and constructive role” if it wants to. With this, he highlighted the position of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the global stage and suggested that Prime Minister Modi can work as a valuable mediator in the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
He noted that few world leaders have the credibility to communicate effectively with both Russia and Ukraine, citing only two: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Modi.
Zakaria said, “The war in Ukraine has stopped. There are very few parties who have the credibility to talk to both sides… If Prime Minister Modi proposes some kind of situation where he acts as a mediator, I think he can play a very constructive role. ” According to Zakaria, such a step will not only benefit global diplomacy but will also enhance India’s image on the international stage.
However, he stressed that this would require Modi to play the challenging role of an “honest mediator”, which is often fraught with difficulties and criticism. Zakaria concluded by pointing to the Indian leader’s diplomatic skills and platform as key assets in the pursuit of peace. “This is a great opportunity for Modi to become a global politician, if he wants to,”
