India: Global Peacemaker

India recently participated in the “Path to Peace Summit” held in Switzerland, focusing on developing a common understanding for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. India’s Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs attended, reflecting its commitment to dialogue and diplomacy. However, India abstained from signing the joint communique, advocating for practical engagement between the conflicting parties.

Why Global Peacemaking is in India’s Interest

1. Contemporary Global Shocks:
   • Conflicts such as those in Ukraine and Gaza, along with potential tensions around Taiwan, have global repercussions including trade disruptions, inflation, energy crises, food insecurity, and supply chain issues.
   • Such global shocks could hinder India’s goal of becoming a developed economy by 2047.
2. Ineffective UN System:
   • The UN Security Council, tasked with global peacemaking, has seen a decline in credibility due to the involvement of its permanent members in ongoing conflicts.
3. Potential Global Role:
   • Successfully mediating peace could enhance India’s international stature and support its aspirations to be a key global security provider.
4. External Security:
   • India has a direct interest in reducing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, particularly given the alleged links between Pakistan’s nuclear program and North Korea’s missile technology.

India’s Contributions and Potential in Promoting International Peace

1. Voice of the Global South:
   • India bridges the Global South and North, as seen in its efforts to include the African Union in the G20, amplifying Southern voices and interests.
2. Non-Alignment Movement (NAM):
   • Historically, India has positioned itself as a neutral mediator, exemplified by its role in helping Austria gain independence from Soviet occupation in 1953.
3. Conflict Resolution Experience:
   • India’s track record in managing internal and regional conflicts highlights its peacemaking potential:
     • Stabilizing Afghanistan.
     • Mediating the Sri Lankan civil conflict.
     • Addressing domestic issues in Mizoram.
4. Growing Influence in Emerging Global Order:
   • India’s positive international image is bolstered by healthy bilateral relations with various countries, such as its role in de-escalating US-Iran tensions after the 2020 killing of an Iranian military commander.
5. Peacebuilding through Development Partnerships:
   • India supports peacebuilding through development initiatives in Africa and Afghanistan, such as infrastructure projects like the Salma Dam.
6. Cultural Diplomacy:
   • India’s civilizational ethos, including the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family), promotes global harmony and is widely respected.
7. Multialignment:
   • India’s approach to engaging with major global powers (Russia, USA, Israel, Iran, Japan) showcases its role as a bridging power in the international system.

India’s Peacemaking Role in the Ukraine-Russia War

Humanitarian Aid:

• India has provided essential humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, including medicines and medical equipment, reflecting its commitment to alleviating human suffering amid the conflict.

Diplomatic Balancing Act:

• India’s non-aligned stance and its strong diplomatic ties with both Ukraine and Russia place it in a unique position to advocate for peace.
• India has not directly condemned the Russian invasion but has called for an international investigation into the Bucha massacre and expressed concerns about Russia’s nuclear threats.

Mediator Role:

• Given its trusted relationship with Russia, India is well-positioned to act as a mediator in the conflict, potentially facilitating dialogue between the parties involved.

Barriers to India’s Leadership in Global Peacemaking

Regional Conflicts:

• Ongoing tensions with Pakistan and unresolved border disputes with China could impact India’s perceived neutrality and effectiveness as a peacemaker.

Domestic Challenges:

• Internal issues, including conflicts, insurgencies, and political instability, may detract from India’s ability to project itself as a model for peace.
  • For example, the UN has raised concerns about human rights violations in Manipur.

Resource Constraints:

• Domestic challenges such as poverty and infrastructure deficits require significant resources and attention, potentially limiting India’s ability to invest in international peacemaking efforts.

Geopolitical Alignments:

• India’s strategic alliances, particularly with the United States and its involvement in the Quad, might be seen as aligning with Western interests, which could undermine its neutrality in certain global conflicts.

Diplomatic Capacity:

• India’s diplomatic network and influence are less extensive compared to established global powers like the USA and UK, which can affect its ability to mediate complex international disputes effectively.

Passive Involvement:

• India’s role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict has been relatively passive compared to other global actors. For instance, China has proposed a set of principles for ending the conflict.

Way Forward

Proactive Stance:

• India should adopt a more proactive role in global peacemaking to strengthen its position as a global peace advocate.

Partnerships:

• Collaborating with like-minded nations (e.g., South Africa, Brazil, Indonesia) and traditional Western peacemakers (e.g., Switzerland, Norway) can enhance India’s contributions to peace efforts.

Capacity Building:

• India could establish specialized peace teams within the Ministry of External Affairs and think tanks to analyze global conflicts and develop resolution strategies, similar to Norway’s peace unit in Oslo.

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Manama Declaration:

• The Arab League recently adopted the Manama Declaration, which calls for the deployment of UN Peacekeepers in the occupied Palestinian territories until a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict is achieved.
• The Arab League, founded in 1945, aims to promote regional cooperation and resolve disputes among countries in the Middle East and North Africa.