Indian-American journalist and host of CNN’s ‘GPS’ Fareed Zakaria said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi could play a “constructive role” in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, even more so than Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
“The war in Ukraine is frozen,” the geopolitical expert said during an interview with India Today, adding, “There are very few parties who have the credibility to talk to both sides. If Prime Minister Modi were to propose some kind of situation where he acts as an intermediary, I think he could play a very constructive role… I believe Modi even more than Erdogan.”
Zakaria mentioned during the exchange that only a handful of global leaders have the trust needed to engage with both Russia and Ukraine. He cited Turkey’s President Erdogan and Indian Prime Minister Modi as two examples.
Discussing India’s foreign policy further, he mentioned that while India usually maintains a neutral stance, it has the ability to take on a “very viable and constructive role” if it decides to do so. He pointed out that such a move could not only enhance global diplomacy but also raise India’s status internationally.
The CNN host added that the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine presents a great opportunity for PM Modi to become a “global statesman.”
However, he emphasised that this would require Modi to embrace the tough role of an “honest broker,” a position that often comes with challenges and criticism.
In June, Modi met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the G7 Summit in Japan. This meeting was important, as PM Modi expressed India’s humanitarian support for Ukraine and highlighted the need for dialogue and peace. India made it clear that it was ready to be part of the solution, rather than just a bystander.
Then, in August, PM Modi made a landmark visit to Kyiv. During this visit, he offered to help bring peace to Ukraine “as a friend” in a meeting with President Zelenskyy amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
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